6 days to surgery About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (IBD). My first year was hard, I was trying all kinds of medications to help relieve my symptoms. I was in remission for about 4 years and life was good again. Then 2 1/2 years ago, I got very sick. I had 6 surgeries, spent 9 months in the Hospital, fought for my life, battled so many infections, a blood clot, sepsis, and struggled with depression. But through all that, I kept the faith and fought with everything I had in me. It wasn’t even a choice for me, survival mode just kicked in. I tried to find a reason to smile or laugh everyday, I prayed, tried to stay as positive as I could.  I was recommended an amazing surgeon in Toronto because the surgeon here did all he could possibly do for me.  I was expecting surgery sometime next year but recently got a call from my surgeon in Toronto; The surgery will be advanced to October 20th from now. I truly don’t want to go through this alone and considering I do not have any family in the Toronto area, and my father and daughter will not accept not being there.  This surgery will be a long (8 to 9 hours) and a complicated one, therefore I’m going to be there for at least 15 days. Being on disability, and my father on a small pension, plus the fact that the insurance doesn’t cover the expenses of a family member (since we are still in the same province) is going to put a financial burden on me, something I would rather not have, so I can concentrate on just getting better. Considering we have a short window of time to save up, this creates a lot of stress for me. For anyone who knows me, knows I’m not one to beg or ask for help but sometimes you need to put your pride aside and ask for help. I’m grateful for any donation given, we will only use what we need and If there’s money left over, I will donate it to the Crohn’s association, or Mount Sinai’s Samuel Lunenfeld Research, where my Doctor’s research laboratory, investigates the genetic determinants of colorectal cancer risk, prognosis and response to chemotherapy.  I understand this is a trying time for everyone and I appreciate your help.  Lots of love.