Hi my name is Nikita and I am putting this fundraiser together for my parents.

In September 2025 my Dad was admitted to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital because he was having trouble breathing - in the ER they sent him for everything! An ECG, Ultrasound and Cat-scan; without getting conclusive answers the Doctor on call sent them home saying what the scans are showing is likely cancer but the hospital would send everything to a specialist. My parents were to expect a call within a week to confirm the diagnosis and get treatment options. They waited at home for 10 days with no phone call and his breathing was only getting worse. My mom encouraged my dad to return to the hospital only to find out the records were lost in the ER and there was never a referral made. The staff apologized sincerely and admitted him to the hospital 2.5 weeks ago. After seeing many different doctors, some who gave hope and others who didn’t have as much; we have officially received some answers.

My dad, Laverne Ross, does have Lung Cancer, and unfortunately due to the size and location of the tumour it is untreatable.

The hospital will be sending my dad home for Palliative (End of Life) care by the end of this week. My mom, Vera, who worked in Hospice House for 7 years as a RCA is familiar with what this could look like and wants to be the one to take care of him to keep him comfortable. No one has given them a concrete timeline but the doctors say if he’s lucky he could be with us up to a year.

Both my parents have so much hope and are so positive during this really difficult time.

My dad just turned 68 and has 5 beautiful grandkids (all boys); time is not on our side but the time we do have left we will make it count.

My parents would never ask for help so here I am. No one expected this and since my mom will be his full time care provider she will not be working during this time. If any friends or family want to support them to allow him to live out his days in the comfort of their home without the added stress of no income I know your support would mean the world. Big or small

Anyone who knows my dad, knows he has the biggest heart but has always had trouble communicating his feelings. Anyone who knows my mom has probably felt they met an angel on earth. They are so blessed to be each other’s strength and are blessed to have family and friends to lean on.

Thank you so much for you’re support