My name is Mary Ellen (Mel) MacDonald. I am Chantelle Burbridge’s friend, through yoga, and have treasured our relationship since transitioning to the Bruce Peninsula six years ago.

Others at Yogahive – the nourishing yoga centre in Lion’s Head which Chantelle founded and manages - have watched her walk the difficult journey of breast cancer since late 2022 when she was diagnosed with Pagets disease. More surgery following confirmation of DCIS, a non-invasive breast cancer, preceded a full month of radiation therapy in Hamilton, necessitating departure from Chantelle’s home. This past summer, a routine mammogram resulted in another lumpectomy. TWO different types of cancer discovered, this time invasive, led to a double breast mastectomy, just this month. Throughout, Chantelle has boldly stared down her options, with grace, often continuing to teach yoga and share her path with many of us along the way. Now, she is no longer able to work.

Chantelle:

“Three surgeries plus radiation over the past two years have taken a toll, not just on my physical and mental health but our financial security as well. Countless weeks and months unable to work for me, and many missed for Johnny as well as he shuttles me from appointment to appointment or takes care of me during recovery periods. I’m not sure what the future of this cancer journey looks like, but at the very least, a couple more months of recovery, unable to work or run my business, many more out of town appointments at the London Cancer Centre that require overnight stays, therapies and treatments.. it’s going to be a long road ahead, no doubt with twists and turns. I will get through it because I know I have the love and support of family, friends and community.”

Chantelle is a wife and Mom to two teens – Carly: 17 and heading to university next year, and JT: 14 and off to a great start in high school. How does one navigate this incredible challenge during a dynamic period of family growth? I believe largely through community who surrounds, listens and loves.

If you are in a position to offer support, Chantelle and Johnny have identified a few needs:

. Support Chantelle and Johnny financially through the GoFundMe link to lend a hand with unforeseen expenses (post here)

. Help nourish Chantelle and Johnny’s family by purchasing a gift card from one of the following:

1. European Bakery – 806 16th St. E. Owen Sound. [phone redacted]. Variety of healthy frozen meals. You can call (Carly or Sophie) and they will keep a running tab on a ‘Chantelle’ gift card. You can pay by phone or in person. It’s optional to leave your name.

2. Foodland, Lion’s Head – [phone redacted]. You can buy online; go to the store website

https://www.foodland.ca/stores/foodland-lions-head – lower left corner – choose ‘e-gift card’ and it will be sent digitally (Chantelle’s email: [email redacted])

3. Dean and Wendy’s NoFrills – 1020 10th St. W. Owen Sound – also e-gift cards available. Go to: https://www.nofrills.ca/en/store-locator/details/7188?utm_source=G&utm_medium=LPM&utm_campaign=Loblaws Scroll to bottom of web page: on the black background, choose ‘gift card’ and fill in the blanks. Delivered digitally to Chantelle (send to: [email redacted].)

4. Freshco – 2125 16th St.E. Owen Sound – gift cards can be purchased in person only at the store (any cashier.)

5. Casero Food – 946 3rd Ave. E. Owen Sound [phone redacted] – go to: https://caserofood.ca. Scroll down and press ‘buy gift card’. Type ‘Support Chantelle’ in the note box; Jayden will keep track of the total, and your contact information, as desired.

THANK YOU for your support.