Please help Kathy Rich survive cancer
Donation protected
In 2018 my dear friend, Kathy Rich, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. There is no cure for this kind of cancer, but there are treatments available to increase life expectancy. So far Kathy has completed an intense cycle of radiation and has recently finished several cycles of chemotherapy. In addition, a vertebroplasty was done to stabilize a fracture of her spine at L3. Despite the medical team’s efforts she continues to be in a great deal of pain.
On February 9th 2019 Kathy will be hospitalized at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario for approximately one month in order to have an autologous stem cell transplant. Kathy will continue with maintenance chemotherapy to prolong the period of remission. For the first few months after the transplant her immune system will be severely depleted, and is going to be equivalent to that of a newborn baby. This situation will leave her very vulnerable to infections. Kathy has other health issues, including diabetes, which could make her recovery harder.
To improve her odds of survival it would be best if she got 24-hour care by trained staff and lived in a very clean environment. Going to an inpatient care facility for a couple of months would allow her to meet these needs. Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover such a lengthy inpatient stay and Kathy does not have the personal finances to cover it herself.
All donations would be greatly appreciated and are needed as soon as possible. The funds would cover:
• Medical equipment and supplies that are not covered by OHIP
• 3+ months of inpatient care
• Once Kathy returns home she will continue to need: in-home cleaning services, nursing care
• Visits to and from family and friends
• If Kathy does not survive, funds will be used for memorial expenses
About Kathy
I got to know Kathy while she was working as an RN at CAMH psychiatric hospital. She helped to train me as well as many other staff on our unit. Kathy worked as a nurse for approximately 35 years. She is now on long term disability due to her health issues, and lives with her husband and cats in Chatham, Ontario. She has no children and most of her family members live far away. I would definitely describe her as a very good hearted, loyal, and hardworking person. She absolutely loves nature and animals, and enjoys advocating for their welfare. Kathy is the sort of individual who would even give the shirt off her back if it helped someone else.
But now it is her turn to receive some loving care, she deserves it, she really does. Thank you so much for helping her out. I know she will be extremely grateful.
On February 9th 2019 Kathy will be hospitalized at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario for approximately one month in order to have an autologous stem cell transplant. Kathy will continue with maintenance chemotherapy to prolong the period of remission. For the first few months after the transplant her immune system will be severely depleted, and is going to be equivalent to that of a newborn baby. This situation will leave her very vulnerable to infections. Kathy has other health issues, including diabetes, which could make her recovery harder.
To improve her odds of survival it would be best if she got 24-hour care by trained staff and lived in a very clean environment. Going to an inpatient care facility for a couple of months would allow her to meet these needs. Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover such a lengthy inpatient stay and Kathy does not have the personal finances to cover it herself.
All donations would be greatly appreciated and are needed as soon as possible. The funds would cover:
• Medical equipment and supplies that are not covered by OHIP
• 3+ months of inpatient care
• Once Kathy returns home she will continue to need: in-home cleaning services, nursing care
• Visits to and from family and friends
• If Kathy does not survive, funds will be used for memorial expenses
About Kathy
I got to know Kathy while she was working as an RN at CAMH psychiatric hospital. She helped to train me as well as many other staff on our unit. Kathy worked as a nurse for approximately 35 years. She is now on long term disability due to her health issues, and lives with her husband and cats in Chatham, Ontario. She has no children and most of her family members live far away. I would definitely describe her as a very good hearted, loyal, and hardworking person. She absolutely loves nature and animals, and enjoys advocating for their welfare. Kathy is the sort of individual who would even give the shirt off her back if it helped someone else.
But now it is her turn to receive some loving care, she deserves it, she really does. Thank you so much for helping her out. I know she will be extremely grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Leana Margolis
Organizer
Kathy Rich
Beneficiary