Hi, I'm Aileen. My dear friend — likely yours, too — is Marcella Tomas. She's given me permission to share here.

To know Marcella is to love her. She has the biggest, kindest, most generous heart of any human I know. She gives beyond measure, pouring all her time, energy, conviction, passion, positivity, and love into countless people, projects, and work. Marcella is the co-founder and executive director of Canadian Connections and tirelessly works to support newcomers in Canada.

And she does all this for free.

The time has come to show Marcella the same relentless, love-filled support she bestows on everything and everyone—all of us—because she really needs us right now.

Marcella was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Myeloma — a type of blood cancer. The doctors are optimistic, as is Marcella. To beat it, treatment is needed. And it starts right away. Marcella has her first dose of chemotherapy on Monday, June 24 — just five days after diagnosis. If the cancer is responsive, she'll have more chemo followed by a stem cell transplant.

Right now and in the foreseeable future, Marcella won't be able to work at the farmers market on Saturdays, which was her only source of income.

That's why I'm reaching out to you. Let's help support her as much as possible so she can pay her modest bills this year and focus entirely on healing.

Thank you so much for whatever you're able to contribute. No amount is too small. All contributions will go directly to Marcella. Please share this fundraiser with your network.

I'll provide updates here throughout Marcella's beat-myeloma journey.

With gratitude,

Aileen