Help Heidi Fight Brain Cancer!

My name is Theresa and I am fundraising in support of my dear friend, Heidi Schmidt. Heidi and I met 45 years ago, at the age of 6 at our neighbourhood school in Spruce Grove, Alberta. We bonded over our spy detective agency, secret codes, singing endless choir and camp songs (altos for the win!), and semi-reckless adventuring.

Heidi was (and is!) as smart as a whip and is deeply caring and compassionate. Some baby mice by the side of the road? She’ll take care of them. A kitty who has no home? She’ll adopt it.

Heidi is an amazing mother to 23-year-old Kira--raised her as a single mother and built a very close relationship. Heidi recently got engaged to her love, Steve, and they are planning a wedding in the near future.

This past summer, Heidi experienced a medical emergency and was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. It’s a life-shattering diagnosis and she is now undergoing treatment and is unable to work. Here is her story:

This July I had emergency brain surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour that was 4cm in diameter. It turned out to be something called an astrocytoma, grade 4 (which means very aggressive). I was shocked to wake up in the hospital. Luckily recovery from surgery was not too bad, but I soon found out that I would continue to deal with cancer indefinitely. Between surgery recovery time and cancer treatments (radiation and chemotherapy), I haven't been able to work. Also, it turns out that having cancer is expensive! Supplements, off-label repurposed medications (out-of pocket), and specialty diet (I'm eating a keto diet to help because cancer cells thrive on carbs and sugar and normal cells do great on ketones). Many brain cancer survivors have greatly extended their expected lifespan by following a keto eating plan. There are also health extras like a personal infrared sauna and basic exercise equipment for home so I don't need to have an expensive gym membership. I'm also doing Tai chi when I can. Extra treatments that I feel are important are also not covered by the province, such as high-dose vitamin C IV infusions. This has been a very scary time and more than anything I want to survive as long as possible to be there for my fiancé and daughter.

Where Your Donation Will Go:

Heidi has lost all of her income, around $5000 a month. She has sold her car to help meet some of her expenses but medical and everyday costs are mounting.

• Housing, travel, food (special diet) expenses

• Medical costs for treatments not covered by insurance including supplements and other therapies

I’ve created this GoFundMe campaign to ensure that Heidi can quickly pursue the best treatment options available. Your support will allow Heidi and her family to focus on what truly matters – fighting this cancer and cherishing time with each other – without the added stress of everyday expenses, mounting medical bills, and treatment-related costs. If you can’t donate but still want to help, please consider sharing this campaign link on social media, via email, or through any other channel. It truly makes a difference.