Help The Oickles

Some of you know my sister Sherry's story about how she is a breast cancer survivor (3 years cancer free).

But I want to share with you, a story of unfortunate events, with the hopes that you will find it in your heart to help her and her family.

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago, she called me and was a total wreck. It took many months of treatment, and years of follow-up, but with the love and support of family and friends, she persevered and "Kicked Cancer's Ass."

She always said "I have won my battle with cancer but the journey still continues. I believe that Awareness, Education and Support are crucial elements in this battle. My hope and goal is to keep helping others in any way." And she did! She is a Peer Facilitator for a cancer support group in Fort McMurray, and provides help to those who need the courage to go on.

Unfortunately, during the time of treatments, routine follow-ups, and appointments surrounding her fight against cancer, they racked up some major medical bills. I know this is small when compared to the fact that she is alive and well, and cancer free, but the story goes on.

A year later, they would face another life changing event, when major flooding/rain damage took their home from them. The insurance company wouldn't even cover the fees to demolish the house, and thus the Oickles were faced with another setback.

The odds were stacked against them in terms of getting a new home, due to the amount of medical bills hanging over them. This left them homeless for a period of time until a good friend of theirs took them in. They were able to work out an arrangement with this friend, which allowed them to rent-to-own the home. This was a great relief for them, and allowed the Oickles to get their feet back on the ground again.

They struggled for a while replacing what they had lost, and paying off the bills, but they never lost sight of what mattered most...their friends and family. 

Would this be the start of things finally turning around for them?

It sure was! I told my sister "things happen for a reason. We may not know what that reason is in the short term, but in the end, it will work out."

However....

My sister called to tell me that they were evacuating Ft. McMurray due to the massive fires spreading across the town.

I had no idea there were fires, but what she said next was a complete shock...

...The fire spread through their neighborhood, giving them only enough time to save their dog, as they watched their home, and everything in it, go up in flames.


I had to stop and ask myself, "What is the reason now? Haven't they been through enough?" I'm starting to doubt my own advice to her, and I know she is trying to figure out why they've hit such a bad string of luck as well.

I can't do much for them living thousands of miles away, but I want to do what I can.

I am starting this GoFundMe for my sister and her family, the Oickles, to help them get back on their feet...again.

They need our help, even if it's just enough to put clothes on their back, food on the table, find a place to live, and support each other. They would NEVER ask for help, because that's the type of people they are, but I know deep down they NEED it! Let's try and help them as much as we can by giving what we can.

Will you please help me, help them?

Any donation is appreciated and would mean a great deal to me for your help.

You can always reach out to me if you have any questions at all by emailing me/using the contact me link.

Thank you so much!