Help Meghan Fight Cancer

**Update September 12, 2023**

It is with a broken heart that we share Meghan lost her battle to cancer. The prognosis was never positive and Meghan choose to fight as aggressively as she could, to be with her children and family. On August 21st, Meghan entered the hospital and a 6 days later was given a last attempt at chemotherapy. The chemotherapy did not work and on August 31st, with her awareness and consent, we moved Meghan to hospice care. Meghan knew what was happening and made the decision, just as she has done all through this battle, with a strength of character that exemplifies who she was as a person.

Meghan was able to enjoy a family celebration and special time with her children and husband while in hospice care. Her parents, sister, brother in-law, niece, nephew and closest friends were by her side throughout. On Sunday morning, September 10th, Meghan passed away, without any pain and peacefully. For this, the family remains grateful, that her immense pain from both the cancer and the treatments, was no longer.

In the coming days, decisions will be made about a service for Meghan. And we will continue with the upcoming fundraiser event, Meghan Strong (the event in on Facebook). As we know, it is difficult to manage on one income, and so we will continue to support Geoff and the girls, in the coming days, weeks and months.

The family thanks everyone for their generosity and kindness on behalf of Meghan and her family. When she was diagnosed, her first thoughts were of her children and her final thoughts were also of her children. We thank everyone for their continued support. While Meghan never liked to be the center of such attention, she was grateful beyond words for the generosity of each of you.

**Update July 2023**

Meghan and the entire family have been amazed at the continued support and contributions. Meghan is able to focus on battling this disease and her family, knowing she has such amazing community support. I wish we could thank each of you in person but know that we are eternally grateful. Thank you ❤️

Hello, I have started this fundraiser for my sister, Meghan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023. This was a complete shock to my sister, the family and all our friends. Amidst the initial shock of hearing the diagnosis, Meghan's first thoughts were of her children, Abigail and Amelia. Her children have always been and remain her priority. Even as Meghan struggles with the effects of chemotherapy, she works to be present for her children, even when you know she just wants to lay down and rest. You can see this as she attends their sports activities and school events, even when nauseous and exhausted. You see this when Meghan works to ensure their world remains as stable and consistent as possible.

The doctors and nurses tell you a lot about the diagnosis and the medical treatments. What they don't mention is the cost. While we are grateful to live in Canada with universal health care, there are so many things needed to fight cancer that are not covered. When sores erupt on Meghan's hands and face from the chemo, the treatments are often over the counter and not covered. The Benadryl needed to have at home in case of a chemo reaction is not covered. The cost of different, healthy foods to not only support her immune system but what is tolerated with the chemo, is not covered. Other complementary therapies, such as immunotherapy, are not covered. And the sheer volume of appointments each week and gas to drive to each appointment is not covered.

And while Meghan is the strongest person I know, her body and the effects of the chemotherapy would not allow her to continue to work. Meghan is also unable to do most daily chores around the house (vacuuming, yard work and dog walking). While her husband Geoff works, coaches the girls and works around the house and yard, there is not enough time to do it all. Going on leave from work, creating a significant reduction in the family finances, comes at a cost (stress) to Meghan's ability to battle cancer.

The goal is to raise money to cover the extra-ordinary costs not covered by health benefits and the family finances. We want to raise money to cover the cost of supplementary treatments, dog walking and house cleaning. We ask that you help to ensure Meghan has all the energy and focus to continue her fight against cancer and remain present for her family, especially her children.