In memory of Audrey Lougheed

Update at end of campaign: as the campaign organizer for "In Memory of Audrey Lougheed" I just wanted to send a quick and heartfelt thank you for the outpouring of support. We reached 85% of the goal in the first 24 hours and more than topped it in the end. The family is humbled by and eternally grateful for such generosity and words of sympathy and love. Thank you! - Devon

Embrace what makes you different  ~  Audrey’s motto 


While our 20-year-old cousin Audrey bravely fought a second bout with cancer, COVID19 complicated her unexpected illness and medical support at every turn. Her family and remarkable boyfriend were faced with impossible choices and lovingly carried the responsibilities of Audrey’s care and safe passing with great dignity. As cousins, we are offering this GoFundMe campaign to provide support for our aunt and uncle.  We want to ensure they are able to have a celebration of life for their daughter and her memory, and a timely financial base to reduce their unexpected financial burden. Our wish for them is to be able to build a solid foundation as they move into their new life.  Your support is so appreciated in helping to make memories for this family. Thank you!

About Audrey:
Audrey’s life motto was “Embrace what makes you different!”  She loved being with all types of people and was a creative, independent thinker who had a talent for taking charge.  Audrey graduated from Grade 12 and moved into a career as an auto service advisor. It was there she met Ryan, the love of her life, who celebrated their relationship daily with thoughtful gestures and words. She was always on his mind.  It was Ryan who demonstrated his devotion to nineteen-year-old Audrey by announcing he would stay by her side to the end, supporting her and her parents when it became clear Audrey only had a few months to live. 

In high school Audrey was diagnosed with cancer when a lump was discovered on her leg. Facing traditional cancer treatments and several surgeries Audrey chose to “embrace what made her different” with teenaged fear and dread but also great courage. In March 2020 she was declared cancer free and once again embraced the journey on the long road back to her own life and career with youthful gusto.  

Everything changed mid-March when Audrey discovered another lump; this one proved more dangerous.  As Ontario shut down in response to COVID, Audrey and her parents struggled to get medical support: doctor appointments, testing and results, specialist appointments, and having a care plan created all became extremely difficult or impossible. Despite numerous trips to hospital they were (understandably) left without answers, diagnosis, medications. The family managed pain, fears and struggles to ensure safety while COVID ravaged Ontario and cancer overtook Audrey’s body. Admittance to hospital meant the family would be denied all but very limited visitation; even so this was attempted several times. As Audrey became palliative she asked her family to take her home, a wish they honoured despite the deep impact it had on each one’s employment.  Audrey’s parents and Ryan provided around the clock care for weeks.

Finally, surrounded by her family and Ryan, she passed at home on June 25th, two weeks after her 20th birthday.  COVID once again raised it’s nasty head with restrictions on gathering, opportunity for family and friends to provide support and sharing memories of a life that was so surprisingly cut short in her prime.  

With our sincere thanks, cousins Merilee, Lee, Chara, Katie, Ashley, Devon, and the rest of the family.