Taniesha-A Mother’s Battle with cancer

My name is Emily and I am asking for your support for my good friend Taniesha and her young family.

Taniesha has a caring spirit and a big heart.  We have worked together for many years at Orleans Orthodontics. She has been dedicated to home schooling her young daughters through the COVID pandemic and was just recently been able to return to her career.  This October, she was having trouble walking, numbness in her legs, and in extreme pain.  This lead her to visit the hospital where initial tests showed a malignant tumour in the lung that is about 13 cm in size that wraps around to the spine.

Surgery, performed just a few days ago, on her Birthday, will help determine how reactive the cells are to chemo/radiation and to decompress the spine.

If the cells are reactive to chemo and/or radiation then the surgery will be just going in to remove part of the spinal cage and take out as much of the tumour as possible.  Alternatively, If the cells are not reactive to chemo and/or radiation then they will have to remove part of the ribs to access the front of her spine because the tumour is wrapped around. They may have to remove 1-3 bones and replace them with cages, screws and rods.  There are a lot of unknown risks.  The tumour could be penetrating the nerve and cause permanent nerve damage, there is a risk of paraplegia in her lower body, risk of lung injury.   Then, once she returns to her baseline they will determine the course of action for the lung surgery…

The news came as a shock to everyone who loves and cares for her and yet Taneisha remains positively hopeful.  With determination, she is eager to navigate her treatment, stay completely focused on her family and getting well. 

We know Taniesha has a long journey ahead, with multiple surgeries, chemotherapy/radiation &/or months of physiotherapy.  I have set up this Go Fund Me account to help with the costs of living, child care, physiotherapy and medical expenses that will be needed for her rehabilitation and full recovery.

This devastating news has left  Taniesha and Michael with an incredible load to bare.  Their two sweet young daughters need their Mom.  

I'm asking for you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  If you are able to give, no matter how small, please donate. You can also help by sharing this page because as they say, “It takes a Village”.  With your kindness and generosity, we can ease the financial burden facing this young family!

Every donation, every share, every prayer helps.  We are forever grateful for the love and support of her family, friends and colleagues.

Please stay tuned for updates as I have news to share.