Tricia and Konrad Korkowski are living through every young family’s worst nightmare.

Just days before Christmas, Tricia became unwell and was admitted to the hospital. Instead of celebrating Christmas with their 15-month-old baby boy, Tricia and Konrad spent the holidays in a hospital room, waiting for news no young family ever expects to hear: Tricia has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Tricia is 36 years old. She is a healthy, active, former Team Canada volleyball athlete and University of Manitoba alum—originally from Winnipeg, now living in Nanaimo.

She and Konrad are high school sweethearts who have built a life around family. Becoming a mom was Tricia’s greatest dream, and her son Jameson is the center of her world.

Anyone who knows Tricia knows she is strong and determined. Even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, she is choosing to fight — for herself, for her husband, and for her little boy who needs his mom.

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is a devastating diagnosis with limited options. At this stage, there are no treatment options in Canada that can help. Tricia’s only path forward is through specialized clinical trials in the United States.

Accessing this care comes with urgent timelines and overwhelming financial strain. Based on estimates provided by the cancer centres, the medical expenses alone are expected to exceed $500,000 USD in the first year—before accounting for months of travel, accommodations, appointments, essential childcare, and time away from work.

Friends, family, and community members in Nanaimo, Winnipeg, and beyond have been asking how they can help. This fundraiser is one way to lift a piece of the burden Tricia and Konrad are carrying so they can focus on what matters most right now: her care, their son, and being together as a family.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page helps reach others who can.

Thank you for standing with Tricia.

Thank you for helping her fight.