Help Alesha Beat Cancer!

It is with heavy but hopeful hearts that we’re starting this “Go Fund Me” page for our dear friend Alesha McKinnon (née Alesha Fell). Alesha is a very private person and not one to ask for help, so we’re asking on her behalf. She has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare type of cancer and she’s already entrenched in the fight of her life.

Anyone who knows Alesha knows her to be fiercely intelligent, hilarious, and a bright light in any room. She’s quick to laugh, unfailingly optimistic, and often sarcastic. (hence the hilarity.) I think above all else, she is kind. She is someone who inspires others. She is so loved!

For those of you who haven’t kept in touch over the years, Alesha was one of a handful of women in her class to graduate as a civil engineer from UBC. She married the love of her life, Ian McKinnon, in September of 2016, and in January of 2018 they welcomed a little boy, Van Michael McKinnon, into their lives.

In May of this year Alesha was admitted to the hospital with suspected kidney stones. Things quickly spiralled out of control and within three weeks she was undergoing major surgery to have her kidneys removed due to the discovery of abnormal cancerous cells. She was diagnosed with mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma. She spent all of June in the ICU and underwent numerous emergency surgeries to save her life.

By mid July she began to show signs of improvement and was able to go home for the first time in two and a half months. At this time, the cancer has not re-presented itself and this is a huge win. Without kidneys, Alesha will have to be in hospital 3 times a week indefinitely undergoing dialysis. Each session takes upwards of 4 hours. The hope is that she will remain cancer free for 5+ years and then be eligible for a kidney transplant. Not only has this been an unfathomable emotional stress for all involved, it has created an overwhelming financial burden.

Alesha is only 35 years old with an 18 month old son. She has many years left of this wild and precious life and we want her to spend it enjoying her little boy rather than worrying about cancer, dialysis and finances. As with all challenges, she is tackling this hurdle with her signature humility and grace. It is our hope that this fund will help lesson her burden.

Her oncologist has recommended sending part of her kidney to a genome sequencing lab in the states to analyze the make-up of this cancer and research how it replicates itself. We are hoping it’s in remission but it’s too soon to tell. Since this cancer is so rare, her doctors here are unsure how to treat it if the unthinkable happens and it isn’t in remission. This research may give them a leg up in treating it in the future. We want to be as prepared as possible. The cost of this analysis (only available in the US) is $5000 USD. This is one of the things we’d like to cover if possible.

Alesha’s mom has taken a leave of absence from her work in Kamloops to be by her daughter’s side. Ian has also been able to take leave over the past couple months to be with his wife and son around the clock. As they both must return to work, we’d like to fill the gaps for Alesha as she gets back on her feet.

All parents know the cost of childcare. Alesha will need care for Van while she is in hospital receiving dialysis as well as help during her recovery. Her career is on hold. This is an added blow as she’d just accepted a position as an engineer for the District of Sannich that she was over the moon about. She was able to work her new job for only one day before she was admitted to hospital.

We don’t know yet how much this fight will cost.

We would greatly appreciate any help you are able to provide. If you are unable to donate, please share Alesha’s story.

Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts.

Meghan & Kaela