I don’t think there is anyone left in this world that hasn’t been touched by the callous hand of cancer and last fall our family was blind-sided when my sister in law went from a mammogram to biopsy to double mastectomy within 6 weeks. This was such a shock to us all that this beautiful, vivacious, and loving woman only in her mid 30’s was about to embark on the hardest journey of her life and there was nothing anyone could do for her but hold her hand and tell her how much we love her.

This horrid diagnose was a tough pill to swallow as just over 10 years ago she was involved in a work place accident that has left her permanently disabled. From what the doctors believed was just a strain in Selena’s leg she developed an incurable nerve condition called CRPS (which stands for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and for a decade now has not had the ability to bend her leg or walk without  the use of crutches. This condition includes extreme sensitivity to touch, vibration and temperature and for years Selena couldn’t have clothing touch her leg without it feeling like her leg was on fire. She endured YEARS of physiotherapy from nerve blocks that would land her in the hospital for days on end to ketamine infusions to finally getting a spinal cord simulator surgically implanted under her skin to target her central nervous system. This simulator emits electrical pulses to her spinal cord which interfere with her overactive nerves that are causing the nerve pain. SO after persisting through rounds and rounds of therapy and finding her new normal in this life she was then handed the ruthless prognosis of breast cancer.

And here is why Selena is an incredible and awe-inspiring women to me, through everything she has been handed I have NEVER heard her once say “Why me……?” She has never worn her disability as a reason to give up. When most people are partying it up in their 20’s Selena spent hers in doctors’ offices and hospital rooms. However Selena is the first to respond to a family group chat message giving praise to our niece and nephew to the latest report card or piece of artwork our sister texts to us all. Selena’s auntie game is strong, she has set the bar high and her love and admiration for her nieces and nephew is all-encompassing. Even when she doesn’t feel well she does all she can to travel the 2.5 hour journey for a birthday party or family dinner.

It’s true what they say that good things come in small packages because at a slim 5 foot tall she has more toughness in that small body then the Hulk or He-man put together. Even as she plunges into the side effects of chemo and radiation, enduring surgical pains from one of her many surgeries and been forced into early menopause with relentless hot flashes she is still a beckon of strength and determination. In tough moments in my life she is my light of inspiration as I watch her fight and unknowingly she pushes me and so many of us through our tough times.

And this is where I need your help. As blessed as we are to have the Canadian medical system there are so many out of pocket expenses that don’t get covered. I would like to raise money to cover those expenses and give a little more, allow Selena to treat herself or maybe allow her and my brother to go on a vacation when her battle with cancer is over. Selena is a proud supporter of Gone Country and right now if you buy tickets from Hilary Blouin to support a great cause and listen to great music all the proceeds from her ticket sales go to Selena. If you are unable to attend the show July 20th I am asking for a donation on this go fund me campaign. For all those I have donated to over the years I am calling in my favor and would like your help in assisting my sister in law through her time of need.