My sister Esella is 52 years old,  she has been working as a hair dresser for over 20 years.  She is currently residing in the Kitchener, Ontario area- where she spends most of her time. She is a very hard working, kind and compassionate person who is full of life. Despite the challenges she has faced over the last 6 year, that have forever changed her life, she continues to remain determined and hopeful about the present and the future.

5 years ago, Esella was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47.  After meeting with many doctors and specialists, it was determined  that surgery would be needed in order to remove the cancer that developed throughout her breasts. No forms of treatment would  be effective in her case.

The cancer ultimately spread to both of her breasts and she had to undergo a double mastectomy as well as have her lymph nodes removed on both sides nearest the breasts. She also had one areola removed and had the other one reconstructed. 

Esella went through a total of three extensive and grueling surgeries to try and restore her breasts to the way they were. This process would ultimately remove the cancer from her body. The appointment was booked and the process began.  

Once the  first surgery was completed, she was left with excess skin, some deformities and many insecurities in regards to the way her body looked- which I am sure many women and/or men who have been through something similar- can relate to. 

She was approached with the option of getting implants to help bring her a little comfort and confidence following the very drastic changes she was left to live with. After giving it a lot of thought and after many recommendations, she decided that she would have the implants put in.  A decision that was not easy for her to make.

After only 5 years of having the breast implants, she recently received a letter from Health Canada stating that they suspended the sale and licencing of this particular brand.  Health Canada determined a potential link between these breast implants and a very rare but serious form of lymphoma . The type of lymphoma is known as breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and affects approximately 1 out of 3500 people.

After many sleepless nights, multiple doctors appointments and time off work- she has decided it would be in her best interest to have these implants removed, even though that means having no breasts at all. The risk of keeping them in would be too high and this is a chance that she  is not willing to take.  It is something she has to do for the sake of her health.

It will cost over 8000.00 to undergo the process of removing the implants.  This amount covers the surgery,the doctors fees and the cost of an anesthesiologist. The manufacturer WILL NOT cover these cost, despite the risks she faces by keeping them in. Esella will also need to take several weeks off work to heal and recover from the surgery, which presents as a major financial burden to her .

If she had to keep the implants  in due to the lack of finances - she could be putting herself at great risk of developing Lymphoma and other complications.
Some people in this similar situation have been diagnosed with Lymphoma after just a few short months while it took others  longer to be diagnosed. There is no timeline and it can happen at any time.

Which is what brought me to  GoFundME .  It is really important to me to do what I can for my sister.  Her last 6 years have been very difficult and challenging  and I am hoping that this could help to ease some of the stress, anxiety and fears she is currently facing. My hope is that she is able to  regain her life and not have to go through anymore physical, emotional or mental pain- like she has been since her diagnosis.

I also hope that this can be a useful tool to assist her in a time of need.  If there is anyone out there who would be willing and able to help in any way, it would be deeply appreciated. 

All donations will be going directly towards the cost of the surgery, medications and supplies needed after the surgery as well as to help with living expenses for the duration of her recovery and time off work.


Thank you all so much for taking the time to hear her story.

Best wishes to all