Help Lisa Fight Cancer

Hello. My name is Kerry (Dwyer) Colangelo. I am reaching out to friends, family, acquaintances and anyone that knows how difficult a cancer diagnosis can be. I am starting this fundraising effort on behalf of a special family I deeply love.

Cancer invaded my youngest sister’s life, unwanted and uninvited. My sister Lisa (Dwyer) Newitt is only 37 years old. She is an amazing wife and mother to her children, 7, 9 and 18. This diagnosis has shocked Lisa, her family, and her friends, who never expected that a single medical episode would result in such a devastating medical report.

After being treated in Belleville General Hospital ER, Lisa was referred to a local surgeon and scheduled for a colonoscopy on September 27, 2022. She received the unexpected and shocking stage 2 colorectal cancer diagnosis the same day.

A board of surgeons was assigned to identify the best possible medical options. Lisa was referred to KGH Oncology and had her first appointment within days to start the treatment plan to remove the T3 tumour.

On November 1st, my sister underwent a major reconstructive surgery. She returned home five days later, trying to adjust and learn how to live with the life-altering changes and disability.

Lisa is now anxiously waiting for the biopsy results of her lymph nodes. If it is found that her cancer has spread, Lisa will then undergo six months of chemotherapy. She will know the biopsy results within the next couple of weeks.

Lisa is unable to work, and her husband, Chris, has taken a leave of absence from his job to be by his wife’s side. He will not let her do this alone.

This strong and independent woman now relies on the people around her for help. This has not been easy for her at all. Lisa has never liked to ask others for help, but she can’t do this alone.

Family members have stepped up to stay with her children while she was in the hospital and drive her kids to school. Loved ones have cooked meals, dropped off gift baskets, and assisted with household duties. All of these kind gestures have been welcomed with much gratitude.

What Lisa and Chris could use now is some help with financial support. There is no paid sick time or paid leave of absence. They will quickly fall behind as bills start to add up. The medical devices and supplies Lisa will require for the rest of her life are only partially covered by a provincial government Assisted Device Program.

Today I humbly ask all of you to consider donating any amount to help this amazing family out in their time of need. I would love for Lisa and her family to fight this Cancer without worrying about an unpaid mortgage, hydro or grocery bill.

Not everyone is able to give, which is very understandable. Whether you donate or share this page, it would support Lisa and be greatly appreciated.

Lisa and Chris are not on Facebook or any other social media platforms, but I will ensure they see all of your messages of well wishes and hope.

We welcome your prayers and want to thank you all in advance. Please keep Lisa in your thoughts, and hold your own loved ones close always. You never know when life, at any age, will change instantly. ❤️

Thank you for your time.