Hi, my name is Pam Derry, and I am asking for help for my dear sister’s family during the most devastating time of their lives.

It is with broken hearts that we share that our beloved Cynthia passed away after her courageous battle with Stage 4 melanoma.

Cynthia was first and foremost a devoted and loving mother. Her 13-year-old daughter, who is preparing to begin high school, and her 21-year-old son were her entire world. She was also a loving wife of 25 years — the heart and foundation of her family.

In November, Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma. The cancer progressed to her brain, causing paralysis and leaving her immobile. She spent her final days surrounded by love and wonderful care at Ed’s House Hospice.

Throughout her illness, the family faced overwhelming medical costs. Without drug coverage, necessary medications had to be paid out of pocket, creating a financial burden long before this heartbreaking loss.

Cynthia dedicated her career to helping families in crisis find safe temporary housing. She was always the one giving, never asking far too proud and selfless to ever ask for help herself.

Today, her family is facing even more difficult challenges.

Her husband had to stop working to care for Cynthia and, as someone who has always been self-employed, does not qualify for Employment Insurance. He is now navigating unimaginable grief while trying to care for their children and manage overwhelming responsibilities alone.

The family must now move so their young daughter can remain in the same school community, surrounded by her friends and support system during this heartbreaking time. The emotional and financial strain is simply overwhelming, and returning to work right now is not possible.

Their son had also been working with his dad and is currently not working. With Cynthia having lost her job just prior to her diagnosis when the Transition House program was defunded, the family has lost multiple sources of income.

They are facing funeral costs, housing expenses, and the heavy weight of rebuilding their lives without Cynthia.

Unfortunately, there was no life insurance in place, leaving the family to manage these financial responsibilities while grieving this heartbreaking loss.

We are humbly asking for your help.

If you are able, please consider donating to help ease the financial burden and give this grieving family some stability during an incredibly fragile time. If you cannot donate, sharing this page would mean more than you know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my sister’s beautiful family.

With deep gratitude,

Pam Derry