Help Support Kerri’s Fight Against Leukemia
If you are reading this page, I first would like to start by THANKING YOU for taking the time to read and consider helping Kerri fight Leukemia.
I am sure everyone knows Kerri. If you have ever been in the Charlotte Street Shoppers Drug Mart in Peterborough, you would have seen her smiling behind the Pharmacy counter. Kerri has worked for Shoppers for almost 20 years, and is truly the nicest person anyone could ever meet. She is commonly referred to as Care Bear, and she truly lives up to the name. If you are lucky enough to call her a friend, you would consider yourself blessed. Kerri is that kind of person that I believe we all strive to be - she gives it her all, even to a complete stranger no matter the cost, she is just always willing and happy to help others.
This is the reason why we, Candace Austin and Amy Schroter have decide to start this page.
On Sept 13th, Kerri went to the local hospital for what she believed to be a sinus infection. She had not been feeling well for a few days and thought, she would get everything under control and take the time needed as she was starting a week’s vacation.
After spending the night in the hospital Kerri was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Dysplastic Syndrome, a rare form of Leukemia. MDS for short, which affects all blood cells.
The next week multiple trips to and from Sunnybrook Hospital The Odette Center began, which is difficult as Sunnybrook is located in Toronto and for those that are not from the area that is approximately 1 hr. 26 mins ( 131.1 kms) one way taking the 407 a Toll Highway.
On Sept 26th, Kerri was admitted for her first round of Chemotherapy and the removal of all white blood cells. This extended stay was 7 weeks. Within these weeks, Kerri was advised that she would need a Bone Marrow Transplant and more Chemotherapy. In Kerri’s own words, she was left with only enough energy to look up at the ceiling.
Due to restrictions she was only ever allowed 1 visitor at a time. In isolation Kerri is missing the one thing she needs the most – people.
On Nov 12th, Kerri came home, and is patiently waiting to hear when the transplant will take place, which means at least another 8 weeks in Princess Margaret.
Until then she is relying on friends and family to help her get to all medical appointments and treatment needed. Benefits have thankfully covered some of the cost of medications but it is quickly adding up.
The doctors say that Kerri will not be able to work again until the Fall of 2021 if everything goes as planned. As many of us know, treatment and recovery takes time, and while we all hope that the planned laid out by the Doctor’s is accurate, those with experience know otherwise.
Though Kerri has not complained or wished it away, she is worried about her home and all the responsibilities that go alone with that including her cat Tikka.
We am asking everyone to please donate to help Kerri fight Leukemia, 25 cents,
50 cents, 1 dollar, every penny matters. no matter how little. It will be helpful to
eliminate some of the stress and anxiety
that comes with being unable to do what
she as done easily in the past.
We know this is a difficult time for many people, with the holiday season upon us, and the unprecedented times in which COVID has changed all of our financial stability. If you are unable to donate in a monetary way, you can still help with a donation of blood to Canadian Blood Services. Kerri has already received so much donor blood and platelets, and will need more to continue her fight. If you can continue to give blood, please do so – not just for Kerri, but for all of the Canadians who are battling this disease. If you are able to donate – let us know – and we will share this with Kerri to brighten her day. She is already so overwhelmed with happiness for those who have reached out, sent a message or shared a picture – this will be another way to let her know you are thinking of her – and stand behind her in this difficult time.