Anyone who knows Tanya Hughes has experienced the intimate and authentic way in which she shows up in the world - her attention to detail, her wholeheartedness in cultivating relationships, craft, art, Self, and Life. She is a teacher, a student, a healer, an artist, an alchemist, an herbalist, a cat mother, a friend, a lover and creative weaver of transformation in this world.

 

With disbelief and sadness, we received the news that Tanya is diagnosed with breast cancer. Although Tanya is deeply independent and self-reliant, we are asking for your financial help to assist her as she walks through the most difficult chapter of her life. Deductibles, copays, insurance for a self-employed person, meds and scans are incredibly expensive.

 

Part of the devastation of cancer is that it asks so much of our beloved not only now, but in the future. We understand the initial treatments: surgery and radiation, possibly chemotherapy, and other therapies to eradicate the cancer cells, but that’s just the first phase. As part of her surgery, Tanya will also experience lymph node removal, which might bring lymphedema. Lymphedema may require ongoing treatment and specialized garments. Recovery from breast cancer can also involve reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and other expensive wellness supports. Ongoing care for cancer patients includes regular PET scans, bloodwork and medicines that manage hormone receptivity and may be needed for years to come. It’s a LOT. Along with the medical care expenses, comes involuntary downtime from work, which will place extra strain and burden on Tanya; we want to see her resourced to be able to continue healing in body, mind and spirit, not rushing to take on more than she can handle before she’s ready.

 

Here is where we come in! As her community, we can provide care even if we cannot bring nourishing food or accompany her to healing therapies - we can help ease the way forward into the next chapter of her journey by contributing to this fundraiser, sharing it with our communities and meeting our goal with love and dedication to this magical being - our beloved Tanya.

 

Please contribute whatever amount you can. No amount is too large or small and will be received with gratitude and copious blessing.

Photo by  Joshua Langlais