Christine Tizzard: Brain Tumor Support Fund

Hi everyone, I'm Amelia, one of Christine's closest friends. I am writing to you today to ask for your help with what has become an increasingly serious medical emergency. For those of us who know Christine, fundraising isn't a form of help she would normally ever even consider; however, the stark reality of the obstacles in front of her makes this plea for your support unequivocal.

After months of seeking answers for the debilitating symptoms she has been experiencing, it is now confirmed that she has a rare and aggressively growing brain tumor called a Chondrosarcoma. Much of her diagnosis is still evolving and remains to be determined, but what we do know is that it needs to be removed immediately. Christine has been dealing with this privately, but to date, is now visually and hearing impaired, and her overall quality of life has significantly declined.

At this point in time, she will need immediate surgery to debulk as much of the tumor as possible, possibly followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy. The tumor has grown significantly in the last 6-8 weeks and is now not only occupying her skull base but growing down around the spine and wrapping around her spinal cord. This makes the operation significantly more complex. To further complicate matters, the tumor is also growing around her carotid artery, as well as other vascular arteries and important nerves that control vision, hearing, speech, swallowing, and mobility. Her overall health is declining daily.

Christine has a highly specialized surgical team assembling in Toronto, preparing to navigate the complexities of her particular case, but traveling to the US for surgery is also on the table, as there is a possibility they can offer an alternate solution that may be better for Christine. Out-of-country medical expenses are astronomical, but the immediate nature of this case may require surgery in Pittsburgh. Surgery in the US will cost between $150,000 and $250,000 CAD. To start.

Most of the collateral expenses will fall on Christine and her family. In the immediate future, Christine's partner, Matt, and her sister Paula will need to relocate to either Toronto or Pittsburgh for at least the first 3-4 weeks. With all being self-employed, including Christine, and needing to focus entirely on her well-being, their expenses are now compounded by their inability to work during this critical period so that they can be by Christine's side for her upcoming surgeries. The reality of being self-employed is that there is no financial assistance available that would even remotely help in terms of government disability or critical care benefits. The very last thing Christine and her loved ones should be concerned about is how they are going to be able to survive financially over the next few months. Looking forward, we are still trying to get an understanding of what the costs of aftercare and specialized radiation will be. This is the beginning of a long journey for which Christine will need considerable support physically, emotionally, and financially.

As you can imagine, Christine and her family are dealing with the shock and uncertainty of their situation at this moment in time. I have promised to do whatever I can to help lessen the financial strain that they are facing so that they can all focus on what is most important, and that is Christine's health and complete recovery. That's why I am asking you to please share and donate whatever you feel you can! Every dollar helps move us closer to our goal and will provide Christine with the urgent medical care and support that she needs.

We will continue to give updates as we get more information.

We love you, Christine, and we've got your back.