The Sun Will Rise and We Will Try Again Tomorrow

Each life is fraught with challenges that may seem insurmountable, but we know that with the support of our communities, anything is possible.

Lianne Wyatt has been my dear friend for 30 years and I can't imagine my life without her. Lianne has been facing some of those challenges this year as she battles Stage 4 aggressive melanoma, along with a life-threatening infection. Her husband, four children, family and friends are standing with Lianne during her battle.

Needless to say, treatment and hospitalization have impeded her ability to work. As the primary wage-earner in her family, the lack of income has been the most frightening aspect of the ordeal for Lianne, and the associated stress threatens to undermine the healing process. Thankfully, her family has been able to help for many months, but that's no longer possible.

Lianne Wyatt has made a life and a career taking care of others. Working as a supply teacher for over 25 years has allowed her to attend to the special needs of her family, which include autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. While the flexibility of this role has been invaluable, it has come at the expense of health benefits and a living wage.

Undaunted, Lianne pursued and gained supplemental employment, teaching courses at the Brock University Faculty of Education and sharing the benefit of her experience with the teachers of tomorrow. This too is contract work, without the support of health and disability benefits, and with no guarantee of contract renewal each year.

50% of these wages have unfortunately been deducted from the ODSP benefits received by her disabled husband.

With their resources depleted, Lianne finds herself facing extensive treatments and the prospect of repeated hospitalization (a recent setback with swelling in her brain required a four-day stay). In the absence of a financial safety net, the Wyatts are in danger of losing their home and the mounting challenges could well impede Lianne's medical progress.

I'm inviting anyone in our community, with the ability and the inclination, to help the sun rise for Lianne, so she can continue to face every tomorrow with the courage and determination that is the foundation of her family. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will be one more ray of sunlight in these dark times.

With sincere appreciation,

Laura Smith