Diana Deserves Dignity

Karen Herridge is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Diana and Danny Thompson, Olivia Babcock, Grace Hogben, and family.

A few words from Karen:

Diana is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend. Everyone who knows Diana knows how strong her spirit of generosity is, and how she has dedicated her life to providing joy and love to her family and those in her community.

Diana always put her own needs on the back burner while she cared for others, so much so that she didn’t pay attention to the early signs of her illness. As is typical of Diana, she silently struggled through her increasing pain, believing it would improve in time, and no one knew the extent of her suffering. But on New Year’s Eve, Diana had to be rushed to the hospital where she lost consciousness. She was intubated and sedated for a month. She had sepsis, pneumonia, and multi organ failure. If this was not devastating enough, they discovered a mass on her back, near her spine. This back pain was the source of so much agony for Diana.

This mass has grown even since her admission to the hospital. They have now discovered more tumors in the bone of her spine, her shoulder and right forearm and her lungs. The doctors feel this was the origin of the cancer. She has endured intensive radiation treatment but the medical team at the hospital in Orillia have not said if they are pursuing further treatment. They have said they are working on granting Diana’s wish to go home and spend her time with family.

The sudden onset of Diana’s health crisis has created tremendous emotional and financial turmoil for the family. Like many others, the pandemic has not been easy on Diana and Danny as they have struggled with layoffs and have exhausted all other supports. Anyone who has ever struggled to make ends meet, especially when things are out of your control, can understand how devastating it can be on your health.

There is a Palliative care meeting on March 10th to discuss the steps moving forward. We anticipate there will be a number of costs associated with making a safe but comfortable space for Diana in her own home and with her family by her side.

We are unsure of what the future will bring, however Diana’s family thank you for your love and support. Please share this campaign with those that know and love her