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Please help Natasha as she battles cancer

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Hi, my name is Rebecca. I have created this fundraiser for my dear friend Natasha, whom was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I know first hand, having battled cancer myself, how much this news consumes your mind and how much energy you need to remain positive to fight it. No one should have to worry about finances when dealing with such a horrific illness. Natasha has been off work since October 26th, 2023. She was in a sales position, so her insurance only covers a portion of her base salary, which was very little compared to her amazing commissions. I am hoping to rally support to assist my friend as she fights for her life.

Me and Natasha go way back to our college days. I was studying fashion and she was studying interior design in Toronto. We lived on the same floor in residence. I never imagined her to be such a good friend, as my first impression was she was an unfriendly girl with long beautiful hair and a snooty British accent, haha. Little did I know, she was just shy! We would end up bonding over late night teas in my dorm room, becoming the best of friends for years to come. Natasha is a special friend to me and has always been there for me. In fact, she stood with me as a bridesmaid on my wedding day! I’m so glad we had time together this summer. After a several years of the world coming to a standstill, she was able to make it Fredericton, to visit me and my family. It was the first time since having children. My girls instantly fell in love with her, as everyone that meets her does. Natasha and I are indeed friends for life. When you know your friend is facing such a battle, it’s hard, because you want to help and feel everything is inadequate. Friends can encourage, friends can pray and friends can ensure you are okay financially and that is why I made this page.

On that note, I would like to share some of Natasha’s story of how this diagnosis came about. She was preparing to celebrate her 40th birthday in Sept 2022, like many approaching that milestone, she was starting to think more about taking care of herself - being healthier, taking supplements. She felt like something was nudging her to do this. Cancer was on her mind, as people around her were doing things to prevent it, battling it and sadly, she had lost some good people to this terrible disease. She decided to talk to her doctor about getting a total check-up including a mammogram. In Canada (at that time) 50 was the age that women would start getting screened for breast cancer. Having only turned 40, she was lucky that her doctor sent her for the mammogram and ultrasound to check that things were okay (it wasn’t without advocating for herself that this happened).

In January of 2023 she had her first exam and everything looked ok. Her report showed some nodules in her armpit areas and breasts, but she was told that they were small and would likely go away. She was relieved by the news and that she would be sent for check-ups every 6 months to monitor.

After that exam, Natasha went on living life to the fullest, as she always does, with a smile on her face and full of grace. In May/June while doing her own breast exams, she started to feel a lump in her left breast. She shared her concern with her family, knowing that her appointment was coming up for a check-up. She also followed up with her doctor to inform of her findings. On August 14th she was sent for another breast exam and by the end of the month she was called back for another appointment. During the next few weeks, she was called in for more exams and the fear began to sink in. She began to overthink and worry about what it could all mean, not really thinking that she could have breast cancer - it didn't run in her family, so she thought, what were the chances of her getting it at this early stage in life.

September 20th, just 3 days shy of her 41st birthday, Natasha was called into her local hospital to meet with the surgeon who went on to diagnose her with Breast cancer. Of course, all the overwhelming feelings set in. Not really knowing anything about this disease was a terrifying place for her to be. Through support from her friends, family and boyfriend, Natasha made the decision to get a second opinion in terms of diagnosis and treatment. She went on to North York General to meet with a team of doctors. She has since been continuing her journey there.

She has expressed that the doctors and nurses have cared for her so well and after many, many tests of being poked and prodded they have shared that the cancer has been aggressive and spread to her liver and groin. Since this point, she has been on a few different medications that have so far been easier to tolerate than chemotherapy. She will continue this treatment plan and the doctors will monitor things to decide whether or not she will have surgery on either the breast/liver or both.

The words she would like to share with others in hopes to offer help and see good come from the bad that has afflicted her: “To anyone, that ever have any doubts about your health, speak up, go to your doctor, get second opinions. Cancer can be such a scary word and I really didn't think I could even get through this many blood tests, needles and biopsies, but here I am, facing my fears.

I know this will be a long journey and believe it's just a bump in the road; another story I can share of my life to help others. I am so thankful to all the people around me and for their prayers, kind words, support and love. I wouldn't be smiling through this whole journey if it wasn't for you all.”

Donations will be used to alleviate any financial burdens that Natasha may have being unable to work as she fights this battle. No amount is too small and so appreciated. If unable to donate, please consider sharing with others. Thank you for your generosity and God Bless! Xx
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Donations 

  • Jackie Tersigni
    • $200
    • 1 yr
  • Lisa Nielen
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Colleen Do
    • $100
    • 1 yr
  • Rafaela Leung
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Bushra Charles
    • $50
    • 1 yr
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Organizer and beneficiary

Rebecca Dawson
Organizer
Zephyr, ON
Natasha Barnes
Beneficiary

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