Please HELP a Helper!

Yvonne MacIsaac is an amazing woman. She has been a giver all her life. She’s not used to asking for help in return. As her friends we are asking on her behalf.

Yvonne has faced a number of health and medical challenges over the last few years: Hemochromatosis, neuropathy, diabetes, and vascular disease. The vascular disease is causing problems in her legs and the diabetes is the reason they aren't healing. For the last year and a half she has been relegated to a wheelchair, and not long ago became an amputee. Even more recently, Yvonne learned that she is not a candidate for prosthetics and may in fact lose her second leg. The MacIsaacs live in a split level home. Yvonne has been staying in the living room throughout this fight. Her husband, Mike must carry her into their home, and also up stairs to the second floor to access the washroom. Their home needs some work to make it accessible and safe, and to provide some level of independence for Yvonne. Funds raised will go towards a ramp or lift for the home entrance, a chair lift to allow her to get upstairs, and an accessible bedroom, washroom and kitchen. As time passes, other equipment may be needed.

Yvonne began volunteering as a candy striper at the age of 13 and has continued to give in this way ever since. She has devoted herself to the care of her family, including becoming case coordinator and therapist for her eldest daughter with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She has generously donated her time to support many other families with children with ASD, acting as president of the local chapter of Autism Ontario for many years, organizing many ASD-friendly family events, advocating with local organizations to offer accessible activities, and directly supporting many families emotionally and as a mentor. Yvonne also volunteered generously at St John Catholic School for years, even after her daughters had graduated. She baked and prepared healthy snacks for students every week as part of the Healthy Snack Program. She also helped start the Breakfast Program to give all kids a fresh start to their day and a safe space to make new friends and feel included. She was named volunteer of the year in 2018.

She is a helper. She’s not used to asking for help.

This medical journey has required everyone in the family to pitch in. Mike has taken a lot of time from work to get her to medical appointments and care for her. Her eldest daughter Kyli has had to stay home from school to help during the day, and her youngest daughter Emma has given much of her spare time too. Yvonne's eldest son Mark also came home from the Prairies for a while to lend a hand.

The costs for the modifications to their home are high and much of it will not be covered by any government or charity programs. Any of it that can be covered through those avenues will take a lot of time and red tape. They need help now.

Yvonne is humble and too modest to reach out to others for assistance. But, she has been a rock for many, and one of the most generous people we know.

Please consider donating, even a small amount can be a big help.

Thank you so much for considering helping our friend,

Stephanie Zonneveld and Amy Hallohan