Help Jill Get Vital Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Hello everyone,

My name is Greg Gibbons, a long-time friend of Jill Halliday. Today, I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Jill, who is facing a challenging situation that requires our collective support.

As many of you may be aware, 23 years ago Jill underwent a life-altering surgery to remove a massive brain tumour. As the tumour had filled her brain stem, the facial nerve was severed during the complex surgical procedure, leaving the left side of her face permanently paralyzed.

In the years following, Jill endured several facial reconstructive surgeries to help improve comfort and mobility. It was made clear that she would be receiving corrective surgeries as needed for the rest of her life.

As time passes, facial nerve repair requires revisiting, especially as muscles relax and lengthen. The surgery Jill now needs is crucial for her ability to blink with full eyelid closure, eat more comfortably, and speak with clarity. However, this procedure comes with a significant cost, in addition to expenses like travel to Toronto, post surgery follow-up and accommodation for two weeks, we are aiming to raise $40,000.00.

It's crucial to emphasize that OHIP has failed to fulfill its responsibility for these critical corrective surgeries, with the gravity heightened by the undeniable necessity of these procedures. The ongoing denial of coverage intensifies the urgency to address this situation promptly.

Due to the extensive post surgery follow ups, the complexities of the physical and neurological disabilities, and other unexpected challenges, Jill had to step away from her remarkable animation career. Living on a fixed income since then, raising $40,000.00 is an insurmountable challenge for her.

Jill would never undertake such an endeavour on her own. Therefore, with her consent, I've taken the initiative to launch this Go Fund Me campaign, and I'm hopeful that you can join me in making a difference in Jill’s life.

All funds raised will go directly towards the surgeries and associated follow-up expenses. If we exceed our goal, all remaining monies will be directed to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Please Note: Go Fund Me charges the campaign a small percentage, so the costs to run our funding endeavour are already covered. However, Go Fund Me also has a tip option that defaults to 15%. That money goes directly to Go Fund Me, not to Jill. If you do not want to give the company an additional “tip”, then be sure to opt out of the default charge.

Please share this campaign with anyone who might be willing to help, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support. Together, we can make a significant impact on Jill's journey toward a healthier and more comfortable future.

Thank you,

Greg Gibbons