Help 2 moms in need - Amber & Linda Carrier

An Urgent Call For Help

Hi, my name is Mary (MJ) and I’ve decided to start this GoFundMe for my mother, Linda and my sister, Amber. They are both experiencing serious health complications, and I am out of province caring for and supporting my family. I want to be in two places immediately, but I will be unable to leave for Alberta until I can make arrangements . In the meantime, my family will be on their own with little support, as they relied heavily on one another. There will be limited help to drive them to appointments, babysit, make meals, fill the car with gas or other unexpected expenses while in the hospital. It has already been a financial burden to them but more so now, which is why I am reaching out to you for help. (Note: I have signed over the sole beneficiary to my sister, Amber. )

Strong Beautiful Spirits

I am happy to explain their situation further, so I feel it’s important to tell you a little about their background. Linda was born and raised in Killam, Alberta with her 7 siblings until she moved out and married my military father (deceased). When my father retired from service, they found themselves back in Killam where they raised my sister and I. Mom has a passion for sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, woodworking and pretty much anything that involves creativity including baking. Oh my goodness, her baking! She manages to make me gain 10 pounds every Christmas. She is the reason for my New Year’s Resolutions. Thanks ma!

My sister, Amber is a 39 year old mother of 4. Tuck (7), Caddie & Tate (10) and Dom (17). When she is able, she enjoys spending time outdoors playing golf in her unicorn onsie (so she has said!) and being with friends, family and fur babies. She has always been incredibly strong and is the most humble person I know. Lastly, I would like to blame her for contributing to my weight gain with all her baking I’ve tried over the years. Mom taught her well! I love you sis!

Shock Strikes Our Family

Amber: In early April of 2021, my sister Amber was diagnosed with a right frontoparietal mass - a brain tumor. The end of June, her doctors in Edmonton performed a craniotomy to remove the tumor. Her follow-up determined that she had a grade 2 atypical meningioma which means the tumor is neither malignant or benign but abnormal and could turn cancerous. She will have another scan in the Fall of 2021 to determine if radiation is required (grade 2 meningiomas tend to recur and grow faster, it’s important to know and make sure the entire tumor is removed completely). Currently, she drives 2 hours just to get to her specialist appointments, and the cost of fuel is a concern (this does not include other expenses).

Linda: On Saturday August 7th 2021, my mother visited the emergency room in Camrose, Alberta where she was later transferred to the University of Alberta in Edmonton -yes, you guessed it, two hours away from Amber! There, her health rapidly declined. She went into a coma due to excessive buildup of ammonia in her blood (a complication of genetic nonalcoholic cirrhosis of the liver). After doctors were able to stabilize her, they were able to locate a GI bleed--- a varices vein had ruptured. They used a special glue to stop the bleeding however, a second scope was performed to band other varices from potential rupture. We are incredibly lucky and thankful to still have her here with us (a very special thank-you to my Auntie Anita who found my mother and called an ambulance). During this time, we have also learned that she is in the beginning stage of hepatic encephalopathy - this is a deterioration of the brain tied to cirrhosis. She is currently recovering in the hospital for an unknown amount of time but will most likely require assisted living. At this time, she is awake and recovering however we are taking things day by day.

How Can You Help?

They are both strong, independent women who would give the shirts off their backs even if they were quietly struggling. Today, I’m hoping that anyone out there will be able to donate a few dollars to go towards their gas, babysitter bills, food, hospital parking ($14/ day), accommodations etc. I am in another province (Ontario) unable to help with rotations, appointments, etc. Sadly for now, all the responsibility falls on them. Anything is helpful at this point. I don’t want either of them having to worry about finances or other obstacles in the way of their recoveries.

Thank You

If you have made it this far, truly, thank you for taking the time to read their story and donate if you are able.

Much love. -Mary (MJ)