Hello!

We have the best mom in the world, and she has stage 3 rectal cancer.

She will be undergoing 5 weeks of radiation + light chemotherapy, and then another few months of heavier chemo after that. Hopefully by the end of those months, she will be cancer-free. If not, she may end up having surgery to remove what’s left of the tumour.

Becoming cancer-free is quite a process, and most of her appointments and treatment take place in Calgary, a city she doesn’t live in (but luckily, we do!). Sally & Marc have already traveled to Calgary a handful of times in the past month or so for various appointments, but will be staying here for the 5 weeks of radiation. This means it’s not possible for them to work during this time, and most likely for the months of heavy chemo afterwards.

This process takes a toll not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. We want our mom’s sole focus to be taking care of herself throughout it all, and on her recovery afterwards - not on how to afford the cost of living through cancer. As we know, things like mortgage payments, groceries, gas, medications not covered by insurance, etc can add up quickly when someone isn’t able to work. We’re hoping to provide our parents with a fund to help financially while Sally recovers so that she doesn’t have to go back to work before she is ready.

If you know our mom, you know she is a helper, and someone who’s always there to talk and lift someone’s spirits. A few of Sally’s best friends throughout her life have undergone a cancer journey, and she was a dedicated friend, helping them and talking it through with them until the end. She’s not wild about our idea of asking the folks in her life to contribute to a fund to help during this time of her life, but it seems the perfect way of allowing her community to show her how much we love her and care that she kicks cancer’s butt.

If you are able to make a contribution, know that it will go a long way this year, and that anything you’re able to contribute will make a difference - there is no such thing as too small an offering.

We’re also going to make a little book of notes from people wishing her well, so please - if you are able to contribute, leave your name & a message, and we’ll paste it into the book! It will be so special for her to look at it and know that we all have her back all the way. If you’re not able to contribute but would like to pass on a well wish, please message Jen & she would be more than happy to include your message.

We will be posting little updates as she moves through treatment for those that would like to keep up-to-date with how things are going. Sally is okay with messages during this time as well, but be patient if she is slow with responses.

Thank you in advance for your generosity - let’s show Sally some of the love she’s given us!

Love, Jennifer & Justine (Sally & Marc's daughters)