Help Marion Fight Cancer
Donation protected
Update: August 2, 2019
Message from the family:
I just wanted to let you all know that Mom made it through the surgery with no complications so far. The doctors said that she did better than they expected. It took about 14 hours. She is now recovering in the ICU. We will update more as soon as we are able to. Please know that this is a difficult time for us, so for the next few days, the updates probably will be sparse. Just know that she is in the best hands in the country, and she is doing well and fighting as we all knew she would. Keep those prayers coming, everyone.
Update: June 13, 2019
Yesterday, Marion received some very difficult news. It looks as though she will no longer be able to receive the life-saving surgery she needs in Halifax as originally expected. Marion's orthopaedic oncologist is now exploring options to get Marion the surgery she needs to remove her cancer at either Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto or Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. As you can imagine, if Marion needs to travel to Toronto or New York to receive this surgery, costs for Marion and her family will increase exponentially. Any contribution you can make to help the family at this time is so very much appreciated.
The note below is from Marion's daughter, Tiffany:
All of your thoughts, well wishes, prayers, gifts, visits, contributions to her GoFundMe, and messages are making a difference. That goes from all of us here. We may not always respond because we are very overwhelmed, but please know that we hear you, we feel you. We need you.
Love to you all. Hold your loved ones tightly and tell them you love them.
To follow Marion's journey, and find out more about this latest decision, please go to her Caring Bridge page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marionmacdonald
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June 5, 2019
In April 2019, Marion's life was turned upside down when she received the life-altering news that the cancer she had once beaten in the early 90s—a rare form of bone cancer called a chondrosarcoma—had recurred. This time, however, it is significantly larger than the last. The only form of treatment for this cancer at this stage is a surgery where Marion's left leg and half of her pelvis will have to be amputated. The surgery is expected to take place in June 2019. In preparation for this surgery, she will be admitted to hospital in Halifax in early June.
Not one to be held back by, well, absolutely anything, and fiercely committed to her recovery so she can go right back to being involved in her church and in her community, Marion is preparing for this daunting procedure by staying calm, focusing on each day and the unique challenges it brings. She is facing the challenge by drawing strength from her community, singing in church, and taking comfort in the countless profound relationships she has built over the years through selfless dedication and love.
After this major surgery, there will be a long recovery and a significant period of adjustment for Marion and her husband Greg. Marion is very thankful for the wonderful family and community around her supporting her as she goes through this experience.
You can help Marion get through this procedure and recover by making a contribution that will assist her with meeting the immediate costs related to her medical care, as well as the costs that will come with adapting her life and home when she is ready to leave the hospital following her surgery. While we don't yet know the full extent of the financial burden that Marion and Greg may face, any funds raised through this page will go towards costs such as:
- Transportation costs for travelling between Marion's home and Halifax (almost 300 km one way) for medical appointments.
- Costs of parking, meals, and other incidentals for Greg while Marion is in the hospital in Halifax.
- Costs of modifications needed to Marion's home to ensure it is functional and accessible for her when she returns home post-surgery.
- Costs of any special equipment Marion may need following surgery.
- Costs for any other medical needs that may not be covered by the public health system or private insurance (e.g., medications, physical or occupational therapy, etc.).
Marion, Greg, and their whole family are so thankful for your care and support!
If you would like to stay updated on Marion's journey or find out about other ways you can support the family, please go to her Caring Bridge page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marionmacdonald; we will also post occasional updates on this gofundme page.
Message from the family:
I just wanted to let you all know that Mom made it through the surgery with no complications so far. The doctors said that she did better than they expected. It took about 14 hours. She is now recovering in the ICU. We will update more as soon as we are able to. Please know that this is a difficult time for us, so for the next few days, the updates probably will be sparse. Just know that she is in the best hands in the country, and she is doing well and fighting as we all knew she would. Keep those prayers coming, everyone.
Update: June 13, 2019
Yesterday, Marion received some very difficult news. It looks as though she will no longer be able to receive the life-saving surgery she needs in Halifax as originally expected. Marion's orthopaedic oncologist is now exploring options to get Marion the surgery she needs to remove her cancer at either Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto or Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. As you can imagine, if Marion needs to travel to Toronto or New York to receive this surgery, costs for Marion and her family will increase exponentially. Any contribution you can make to help the family at this time is so very much appreciated.
The note below is from Marion's daughter, Tiffany:
All of your thoughts, well wishes, prayers, gifts, visits, contributions to her GoFundMe, and messages are making a difference. That goes from all of us here. We may not always respond because we are very overwhelmed, but please know that we hear you, we feel you. We need you.
Love to you all. Hold your loved ones tightly and tell them you love them.
To follow Marion's journey, and find out more about this latest decision, please go to her Caring Bridge page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marionmacdonald
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June 5, 2019
In April 2019, Marion's life was turned upside down when she received the life-altering news that the cancer she had once beaten in the early 90s—a rare form of bone cancer called a chondrosarcoma—had recurred. This time, however, it is significantly larger than the last. The only form of treatment for this cancer at this stage is a surgery where Marion's left leg and half of her pelvis will have to be amputated. The surgery is expected to take place in June 2019. In preparation for this surgery, she will be admitted to hospital in Halifax in early June.
Not one to be held back by, well, absolutely anything, and fiercely committed to her recovery so she can go right back to being involved in her church and in her community, Marion is preparing for this daunting procedure by staying calm, focusing on each day and the unique challenges it brings. She is facing the challenge by drawing strength from her community, singing in church, and taking comfort in the countless profound relationships she has built over the years through selfless dedication and love.
After this major surgery, there will be a long recovery and a significant period of adjustment for Marion and her husband Greg. Marion is very thankful for the wonderful family and community around her supporting her as she goes through this experience.
You can help Marion get through this procedure and recover by making a contribution that will assist her with meeting the immediate costs related to her medical care, as well as the costs that will come with adapting her life and home when she is ready to leave the hospital following her surgery. While we don't yet know the full extent of the financial burden that Marion and Greg may face, any funds raised through this page will go towards costs such as:
- Transportation costs for travelling between Marion's home and Halifax (almost 300 km one way) for medical appointments.
- Costs of parking, meals, and other incidentals for Greg while Marion is in the hospital in Halifax.
- Costs of modifications needed to Marion's home to ensure it is functional and accessible for her when she returns home post-surgery.
- Costs of any special equipment Marion may need following surgery.
- Costs for any other medical needs that may not be covered by the public health system or private insurance (e.g., medications, physical or occupational therapy, etc.).
Marion, Greg, and their whole family are so thankful for your care and support!
If you would like to stay updated on Marion's journey or find out about other ways you can support the family, please go to her Caring Bridge page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marionmacdonald; we will also post occasional updates on this gofundme page.
Organizer and beneficiary
Clare Levin
Organizer
Halifax, NS
Marion MacDonald
Beneficiary