Lori-Ann & Glenn Betts

To Bonnie’s Wonderful Supporters, We are so grateful to be able to update you on her health. Bonnie is just over the six-week mark since her open-heart surgery. A complete success, she was the first in Atlantic Canada to have all four heart valves replaced at once by Dr. Baskett. This was originally not an option, but on the recommendation of Dr. Paul MacDonald (Port Hawkesbury native, brother to one of Bonnie’s oldest and dearest friends, Lars MacDonald), Dr. Baskett, “Paul’s Valve Guy,” was put on the case. Bonnie and her girls will be forever thankful for the Cape Breton connection that has given her life back to her. To put in perspective how rare this surgery is, it has only been performed 13 times in the past 24 years at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Today she had a follow-up with her neuroendocrine oncologist, Dr. Rayson. We are again grateful to report that her cancer is remaining completely stable. She will continue to have treatments once a month for the rest of her life and only has to see the oncologist every six months. The treatments have little to no side effects and are done in the comfort of her own home, with no disruption to her quality of life. As the organizers, Shauna and I are so incredibly thankful for all of the kindness and support. This GoFundMe exceeded our expectations and is proof of the impact of Bonnie’s friendship with people from across this country. Everyone who has ever met Bonnie has made a friend for life. Because of you, we were able to provide her with everything she needed to recover at home while not worrying about living expenses so she could focus on her recovery. Her recovery is ongoing, and her spirits are great! From Bonnie: “I am so very appreciative. I’ve started my message so many times, and I can’t find the words that are powerful enough for the support. I really find it hard to find the words to express how thankful I am.” Thank you to Lars, Dr. Paul MacDonald, Dr. Baskett, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Rayson, and the nurses on the 5th and 7th floors. Thank you to her family, her closest friends and her boyfriend Darren, who were by her side throughout her hospital stay and her first few weeks of recovery at home. “Sometimes there are stormy moments in your life when your friends do more than just walk with you; they become angels that carry you and protect you with their wings.” Thank you friends, Shauna Tracey and Lori-Ann Betts