Our Friend Lee-Ann, the one with the awesome funny bone, generous heart and the brightest outlook on life, is facing a formidable battle. We need her village of friends to help us alleviate the incredible financial stress this carries, so that Lee-Ann, Todd and their family can focus all of their attention & strength on this surgery and her recovery.

As many of you know, Lee-Ann was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2017 at the age of 43. The tumor had grown into different areas of her brain and the surgery to remove as much of it as possible, would be complicated.

Lee-Ann travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for brain surgery in September 2017. This would mark the beginning of many challenging and difficult days for her. She returned home to Newfoundland in November 2017, but something didn't feel right... Following several trips to a local emergency room it was discovered that her body was incapable of regulating her cerebral spinal fluid. In December 2017, she was admitted for further surgery to have a shunt inserted in an attempt to resolve this issue.

In January 2018, a fungal infection had developed in her spinal cord, prompting an additional surgery to remove the infection, and yet another to replace the shunt. This left Lee-Ann with extensive nerve damage affecting her hands, legs and feet. She was unable to walk or feed herself and her vision had also been affected.

Lee-Ann was transferred to the Miller Centre where she spent several months in rehabilitation. She was discharged to go home in May of 2018 where she continued to slowly regain her strength. Through her sheer determination and family support, along with corrective eye surgery in 2020, she regained some of the motor function that the surgeries had impaired. Even with these positive progressions, Lee-Ann could never return to work or drive. In spite of these hurdles, she remained positive and her incredible sense of humour never failed to keep those around her smiling.

Annual MRI's continued with clear results - thankfully, what was left of the tumor had not grown!

This relief however, was short lived. On April 14, 2023 Lee-Ann received the devastating news that the tumor had spread significantly.

Further CT Scans were performed and in August 2023 it was determined that the tumor was now choking off the artery on the right side of her brain. The only option was another extensive brain surgery, to be followed by radiation.

To most people this would seem insurmountable - but Lee-Ann has always drawn from her faith, inner strength, and quirky sense of humour, to guide her through these challenges. She will face this next battle with the unwavering support of Todd and their children.

Lee-Ann's surgery has been scheduled for March 7, 2024 - which requires them to leave for Halifax on March 5th.

The Neurosurgeon who is performing the surgery is the only specialist in Canada capable of handling such a complicated case - but he retires in late March so Lee-Ann will likely be the last surgery of his career.

Prayers that it's his best work

We are still unsure of how many surgeries this trip will involve, only that it will likely be multiple procedures over a period of weeks. Currently it is unknown how long she will have to remain in Halifax - but it could potentially be a few months.

This surgery is necessary, invasive and extensive .. and undoubtedly scary for Lee-Ann, Todd and the beautiful blended family of 5 children who depend on them.

Anyone who has met Lee-Ann knows what a kind , compassionate, and empathic friend she is. She is also the kind of mom that would bring her children, in their younger years, to a homeless shelter at Christmas time, to instill in them that giving to others was so very important and that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a warm home, gifts to open, or food to eat.

Recovery will be a long road, one that will inevitably cost a considerable amount of money !

With Lee-Ann permanently unable to work and Todd needing to take time away from his job to help her through this ordeal - worrying about money should not be where they have to focus their energy!

We are asking you to help ease this incredible financial strain, which will allow her the time to heal with her family.

She’s been so good to so many over the years, this time it’s our turn to help her.

Thank you in advance for your Kindness .