PLEASE HELP THE ANDERSONS FIGHT BRAIN CANCER

Charlene has lived with an Astrocytoma Brain tumor for nearly 20 years. The cancer was found shortly after she graduated high school and required intensive radiation and chemotherapy. After treatment, the tumor was in remission but was never fully removed and has impacted Charlene’s ability and quality of life ever since. Despite the cancer, Charlene was an active rock climber, hiker, camper and always enjoyed everything in the outdoors. She’s worked for years as a Caregiver because she loves to look after others. She also loves puzzles, cross-stitching, and making Christmas ornaments for friends to commemorate their children’s births and weddings.

Charlene and her husband Chris both grew up in Powell River and after living in Vancouver and Victoria for a few years, they both moved home in 2008 when they found out they were expecting their first child, William. It was an exciting time to be closer to their families and to raise their children locally. Parents from both sides of their families live in the Powell River and provided invaluable support to Chris and Charlene as they raised their family. Both families are also involved in many community groups and activities.

In early 2020, they received the devastating news that Charlene's tumor had showed new growth. She went through six months of chemotherapy which required her to cease working as a Home Support Caregiver, the job she loved, plus missing events with the children and suffered ongoing daily struggles.

This new round of treatment helped temporarily, but again, in late 2022 Charlene started showing more telltale symptoms. Difficulty speaking, coordination and injuries occurred. Finally, it was a fall at home that resulted in Charlene breaking her arm and radial head replacement which prompted further action.

Again, devastating news. An MRI confirmed significant tumor growth throughout her brain, so she began intense chemotherapy again, but subsequent MRIs showed continued growth. Chemotherapy continues, but so far, no treatment has stopped the tumors' progression.

Charlene is now struggling with her daily activities. Her right side, leg, hand, and face are difficult to move, and she has little sensation. She struggles with hearing loss and eyesight on that right side as well. Reading is nearly impossible, and she struggles to speak with the words she intends to use. As time progressed, she needs assistance with dressing, bathing, and eating, among others basic but integral everyday tasks.

Of course, their families help where they can, but with Chris still working full-time and two children at home, it has been difficult to keep up with both household responsibilities, maintenance and caring for Charlene. Even more difficult has been the recent passing of Charlene’s mother, also from cancer. Charlene and her mom spent nearly every day with each other.

The Andersons have Home Support to help with personal care and mobility modifications to the home, but many costs are not covered. They have sought out federal and provincial assistance but have found the process to be either slow or insufficient for their current and predicted needs. As the horrible disease progresses, it is becoming more apparent and necessary for Charlene to be constantly supervised to avoid injury and provide for her care. During all this time, Chris has needed to spend more and more time away from work to take care for his wife.

This type of cancer can be slow developing and they hope new treatment options will arise and slow down growth and even successfully stop the disease, but Charlene will need accessibility equipment and alterations to her home for her daily needs.

It would make a huge difference to the family to have any additional support or advice in helping them. I know I speak for the family when I say that any assistance would be greatly appreciated as they navigate through this difficult time and adjustment.

With sincere thanks and appreciation,

Charlene, Chris, William, and Elizabeth Anderson