Hollis's medical fund

Do you believe in magic?

Hollis and Scott Connor are Barrie, Ontario locals. As part of our community and the proud owners of “The Local Gastro Pub” on Dunlop Street, they have established a spot where citizens of our city and visitors gather. It’s an easy place to spend time or catch up with friends and loved ones and enjoy delectable food along with curated, craft-beers. Maybe you know it. Comfortable, made-from-scratch, flavour-filled fare and savoury pints that keep the moments with family or friends going.
Magic happens in this place.

In May of 2016, the Connors (Hollis, Scott and daughter, Bowie) received shocking news while visiting family in Scotland. Routine medical tests had returned unexpected results. Cancer. Hollis had a large, stage 3, rogue tumour in her breast.  The trip had to be interrupted. She returned and swiftly had a partial mastectomy, lymph node dissection and more tests.  At the beginning of August, cancer was also confirmed in her sternum. On August 18th Hollis started a minimum of 6 months of intensive treatment consisting of chemotherapy followed by radiation. 
It’s a long road ahead and magic is needed here.

Expenses started to add up as soon as the first appointment was booked. There were trips to Toronto for special tests, hospital parking fees for each appointment, and therapies to help strengthen the body – none covered by health care. For a couple who run a business together, when both are off, there is significant financial impact. Not only is there a loss of income, but as small business owners, they don’t have access to Employment Insurance for extended absences. This, along with medical costs not covered by OHIP, creates a huge burden. They have already gone into debt and their journey has just begun.
Magic is possible here.

We are writing to ask you to be part of the magic of community.  Financial help on their behalf so that the interruption to everyday life during this fight against cancer can be kept to a minimum.  Every dollar helps. We invite you to give and share this post with others.

In doing so, you will be part of the magic in their lives. Thank you for believing.

Jana and Steve Burke

on behalf of Hollis and Scott Connor.