Larissa Strong

Although some of you may not know me, you probably know my precious friend Larissa very well! As most of you probably already know Larissa isn't someone who would ever ask for help, especially not when it comes to money. She is probably going to fight me on this but ultimately will realize that she could use a little help from her friends. Life sometimes throws you curve balls, life isn't always fair, easy or cheap. Life sometimes takes you on a path that you never saw coming and sometimes that path is too rugged, rough and rocky to walk it alone. Unfortunately for Larissa, this is just one of those paths that life has thrown her way and we are not letting her walk this road alone anymore!

Larissa is 26 years young. She is the most beautiful person inside and out. She literally lights up every room she walks into, even now and she doesn't even know it! She is such an inspiration to many people since her joy and love of life are extremely infectious!

Larissa is an extremely hard worker. She has been working and supporting her self ever since she was 17 in the healthcare profession. Larissa is a PSW, helping others is what she is born to do! She could be talking to a pole and the conversation would still be interesting. Her strength, optimism and charisma make every life she touches, a bit fuller, a little louder, and a lot happier.

Larissa was working over full time hours with two part time jobs, a PSW in a nursing home and as a home care worker. Her dedication to her patients is second to none!
One day near the end of October, Larissa wasn't feeling well... she had a bad cough, trouble breathing, so she made an appointment with the Doctor. Without knowing it, Larissa worked her last day of work on October 23, 2016. On October 24th 2016 She found out the most life halting news anyone could find out...

"You have cancer" words no one ever thinks they are going to hear about themselves. Especially at the young age of 26.... "You have cancer...."

Test after test after test, Berkitts lymphoma, we finally have a type. Berkitts Lymphoma is the fastest growing human tumor. Larissa's tumor was 13 cm by 10 cm in the centre of her chest, almost fully blocking two main heart valves when it was found. "Massive tumour" they calledit.

Larissa started her chemo treatment in the beginning of November 2016. She is on a 21 day cycle. She is in the hospital for 5 days out of 21, hooked up to chemo for 24 hours a day for 5 days straight. If everything goes as planned she is home for 16 days and then her 21day cycle starts all over again!

Larissa's first 5 day chemo treatment had some complications... 5 days turning into the longest 12 days of Larissa's life. She was given a spinal tap as part of the treatment method, unfortunately causing a CSF leak (cerebrospinal fluid leak) due to a hole in her upper spinal column. The nausea from the chemo on top of the CSF leak were unbearable but with pure determination she pulled through! She is now responding extremely well to her chemo treatment. The doctors have now found two blood clots, a rather large one that has formed in her neck as well as a one above her pic-line on her right arm. She has started a daily shot for blood thinning, that she will be taking for 3-6 months while being monitored closely. Larissa has also just had her first blood transfusion due to her very low blood count. She is starting her last 21 day cycle February 23 and will be in the hospital for a final 5 day hook up! Larissa then has the month of March "off" when she will be heading to a specialist to deal with her enlarged liver. April is a full month of radiation. By May Larissa will be cancer free but will still have a long road to full recovery! Recovery is a process, it takes time, it takes patience, it takes everything you've got. Recovery cannot be rushed. Unfortunately Larissa is already feeling the stress to get back to work. She is only classified as a part-time employee, working over full time hours most weeks but still leaving her without benefits. Unemployment is only paying for 14 weeks which is sadly coming to an end. After months of trying to join ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) she has just been denied. If I could afford to take away all of Larissa's financial worries myself I would... Seeing the defeated look on her face while reading the letter from ODSP. DENIED...

If everyone could help just a little it could go such a long way. To be able to ease at least one struggle in such an awful, life halting fight would give Larissa the chance to put all her strength into kicking cancers ass instead of stressing over, medication, bills, transportation and groceries.

Larissa, I know that asking for help isn't something you ever wanted to do but asking for help doesn't mean you are weak, lazy, or ungrateful... It doesn't mean you are forcing people to do something they are unable to do. We do understand not everyone is able to help financially. Larissa also needs emotional support. Visitors are the best medicine of all. Not only will you lighten up her day, I guarantee she will lighten yours! She lightens mine on a regular basis. We alsounderstand not everyone can visit, social media is a wonderful thing and a great way to send optimism, encouragement, support and love her way to help her through the darker days.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read all of this and for those of you who can, a little donation will go along way! Larissa keep up this fight! You got it girl! We love you, you are not alone, you are never alone! #fuckcancer #larissastrong

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