Some people come into your life and become family. Tracy is that person for me.

For 37 years, she has been my best friend and there really aren't enough words to describe what she means to me and so many others.

Tracy isn't just an incredible friend. She is a devoted mom to Nickolas and Alyssa, a dedicated wife to Aaron and an amazing sister, daughter and aunty. She is one of the most endlessly selfless people I know. She is the person who will drop everything to help someone, who shows up when people need her, and who would genuinely do almost anything for the people she loves. And she does it without expecting anything in return.

That is simply who she is and now, it's our turn to show up for her.

Seventeen years ago, Tracy was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma after a tumour was found in her leg. She went through surgery and treatment, beat it, and moved forward with her life. She has always been a fighter. After nearly two decades, we never imagined we'd be facing it again.

This past March, Tracy was diagnosed again with Stage 4 Myxoid Liposarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer. In June, she underwent major surgery, including the removal of a 6-pound cancerous tumour from her abdomen, as well as more than 20% of her liver. She faced everything that came with that surgery head-on and absolutely rocked it. We were hoping that surgery would be the beginning of a new chapter.

Unfortunately, the news that followed was not what any of us were hoping for. We learned that her cancer has spread and that, medically, it is considered very serious. But Tracy has faced this before, and she is facing it again with the same strength and determination.

Over the next 6 months, Tracy, alongside her medical team, will undergo a specialized inpatient chemotherapy treatment. At the same time, Tracy and those who love her are exploring additional treatment options and therapies that may be available to her. Many of these options are not covered through the healthcare system or insurance, and the costs can become significant very quickly.

We're here and ready to fight alongside her.

For a lifetime of giving to everyone else, this is our chance to give something back to Tracy.

We want Tracy to be able to focus her energy on her family, explore every reasonable treatment option available to her and to live her life without finances being a consideration.

This initial goal of 30,000 is based on the expenses we know or can reasonably anticipate right now. Any funds raised will help with treatment related expenses such as:

• Medical and treatment-related expenses that aren't covered

• Naturopathic and integrative care

• Medications, supplements and medical supplies

• Nutritional support and specialized foods

• Unexpected or uncovered treatment-related costs

There may also be additional treatment options available in the United States, including at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, which has physicians and specialists with expertise in rare sarcomas, including Myxoid Liposarcoma .

As Tracy moves through her current treatment, her medical team will be able to better determine whether seeking a consultation or treatment there would be appropriate for her. However, if a U.S. treatment option is eventually recommended, it could be exceptionally expensive (potentially costing up to $350,000).

Because we don't yet know whether Tracy will need this treatment, we are not including those potential expenses in our initial fundraising goal. If that changes, we will update this page and adjust the goal as needed.

If you're able to contribute, every amount will help. If you aren't able to give financially, sharing this fundraiser, sending a message, or simply keeping Tracy and her family in your thoughts means more than you know.

Thank you for loving Tracy, supporting her, and helping us surround her with the same kindness, generosity, and love that she has given so freely to everyone around her.

With love and gratitude,

Shauna