Support for the Clemsons.

A few short weeks ago, our dear friend Jon Clemson was diagnosed with two rare blood cancers. If left untreated, these cancers can quickly turn into Acute Leukemia, a devastating disease that attacks your body's blood and bone marrow.

 

 

It’s hard to imagine something like this happening to Jon, a selfless and amazing human. He radiates genuine warmth and kindness that is only matched by his hilarious, quick wit and his desire to be of service. He is the kind of person you would be lucky to call a friend and someone the world could use more of. Jon and his wife Karen are woven into the fabric of the Salt Spring community, growing roots here for over 14 years and now raising their young children, Ellie (6) and Charlie (1). They own a charming and thoughtful shop in Ganges called

The Village Hive (formerly Big Bear and the Wolf). They design and produce goods that are genuinely local. Their products are created with a hands-on process that continually needs their attention and skill from concept to creation. Owning and running a small business is a labor of love that is challenging to manage at the best of times, made more difficult while raising two young children, and an impossibility when incapacitated with a life-threatening illness.

 

 

These past few weeks have been physically and emotionally exhausting for Jon and his family. They have only just begun to process their new reality and sink into all the emotions that are difficult even to imagine. As a healthy and vibrant 41-year-old, cancer is not something that was expected or prepared for and has turned their daily life upside down.

 

 

For the immediate future, Jon cannot work as his body is weakened and in pain. As he focuses on treatment, healing and resting, there is a mighty load remaining for Karen to bear. As strong and independent as this incredible family is, they need our help. Relieving some financial stress will allow them the opportunity to focus on fighting the battle ahead of them. It will also afford Jon the chance to explore every possible treatment, including the ones not covered by our traditional healthcare system.

 

 

It is time for us to support this family and let them know that they are not alone. If you are able, we humbly ask for your support by donating what you can. With your help, we can lift this family up while Jon kicks the crap out of this garbage disease.