Pat's Fight Against Brain Cancer
We want you to know Pat Marcoux like we do.
Patricia Marcoux met her future husband Peter at the age of 16, and it is a love that has lasted over 40 years. A mother of 3, a grandmother of 5, Pat was a military wife that supported her husband throughout his career.
It’s hard to put Pat into words. Knowing her is more a feeling than it is something that can be said. When Pat is around you feel warm and welcomed. When you see her with her kids and the love radiating from her is almost palpable.
After Peter retired from the Canadian military after 20 of service, he and Pat had decided to hit the open roads and travel together on motorcycle, enjoying each other’s company.
In 2014 their plans for retirement changed dramatically. Their young grandson was in a situation where his mother could no longer care for him. Pat and Peter stepped up and, in their 50s, adopted the now 11 year old Jourdan raising him as their own.
Why we need your help
For those who don't know, on February 8th, Pat was rushed to Renfrew hospital with stroke-like symptoms. She had a CT scan, and only minutes after what was supposed to be a long wait, the Doctor was back and ordered she be transferred to the Ottawa Civic Hospital urgently. An MRI confirmed, Pat had a brain tumor on her frontal lobe the size of a tangerine. The surgeons were able to remove the tumor, and the biopsy began.
Our worst fears were confirmed. Pat has Stage 4 Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. With treatment, the doctors said approx 12-14 months. Without it, she may only have 6 months.
While the surgery and hospital stay were covered by OHIP, cancer drug coverage is not. These cancer medications are over $4000/month and insurance does not cover it all. Pat’s treatments will be in Ottawa, which is over 100km each way from their home. Peter will make that drive every morning with Pat, and back home every day to be home for Jourdan when he gets home from school. This trip is not just long, but incredibly difficult for a former soldier suffering from PTSD. But Peter pushes through it, regardless of how hard it is for him, for the woman he loves so much and for his young grandson.
No one would ever to expect this amount of devastation in a lifetime much less such a short period of time. Our hearts are broken and as a family we are taking one day at a time. This is an impossible situation. The pain of dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis is horrible enough, even without wondering how to afford medication.
Donations will go toward paying for her cancer medication, travel expenses, and ways to give her as much time as we can to spend with her family. She means so much to us, to her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. We appreciate anything you can give, or sending a happy thought, good vibes or a little prayer. Thank you.