Karigan’s cancer journey

As hard as this is going to be to write if anyone knows myself and Karigan you know we try to make jokes out of any hard situation to make it a little more bearable.

I am Cayley, I am Karigan’s older, and wiser, cousin. Karigan was a little spit fire growing up and never grew out of it and now gets to raise her own little spit fire with the help of her fiancée, Taylor. Karigan and Taylor got engaged July 23 of this year. Exactly a month before the C-word. We all know a couple C-words that we aren’t fond of, and I sure wish I were talking about the one we can speak in code with by saying C U Next Tuesday.

But in this case we are talking about Cancer.

A rare cancer called intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. We remain hopeful with an 80% chance that they can stop the tumour from growing, but feel defeated with the odds being less then 30% that it will shrink. There is too much of her liver that would need to be removed for them to cut any out as this would cause liver failure. And although Karigan has a long list of family and friends willing to donate their livers without any hesitation, this type of cancer is aggressive with a high chance of reoccurring cancer despite how many livers she has available.

Karigan started chemo this past week and will be off work for an undetermined amount of time. The money raised will go towards the offset of having to live off one income and to alleviate any stress this may cause the family. This is the last thing we want for them at this time. We want the family to be able to enjoy quality time together during this. These donations will help the family cover any expenses related to travel, medical appointments, and the possibility of approved trials where Taylor may need time off. In the case that treatment is not effective, which it will be because it has to be, the money will be used for Taylor and their daughter, Breia. Whether it’s into a savings for Breia, or for the two of them to take needed time to grieve.

I know things are tight during this time for many people financially. And if you are unable to spare, just share (I’m lame, I know. It runs in the family). A quick share on social media goes a long way and we appreciate that just as much.

Thank you in advance for all those who donate, or who share Karigan’s experience with others who may be able to donate.