Lisa's fight against cancer

****UPDATE 2 FROM LISA ****

I am humbled and honoured that so many of my friends, family, & colleagues from near and far, from this life time or a past lifetime have come together to support us. My little family is a force to be reckoned with and we will, with your support, continue to be as strong as we can!

My sweet boy had his first cry last night and said he was scared I would die and he would be sad forever.

He is my motivation, my love, my life.

So here we are in the basement gym getting strong together chemo pump running.

I know many of my friends want updates so, although I’ve not been posting on FB much, I’ll try to share our journey with you.

(The tattoo and ring are reminders for me to keep going and ride the waves of life)

Edit: and my amazing special wonderful patients… I see you …. Thank you and I hope to be back taking care of you as soon as I can

**UPDATE** What an amazing response within only 48 hours of the original post. The campaign is going to remain open so that those who wish can contribute to the goal of accessing Lisa’s ongoing care to fight this. As soon as possible she and her family would travel to the US for aggressive surgical and chemotherapy treatment. This woman is an inspiration to so many, myself included. She has faced this diagnosis with incredible grace and determination - which is true to the person she is I know she and Mike are overwhelmed and feeling so blessed by not only the financial support but the absolute tidal wave of messages from those near and far. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ****

One year ago I got a message from a dear friend, fellow mama and colleague that stopped me in my tracks……bowel cancer, emergent surgery, ICU. Words that couldn’t seem possible to be describing this bright and healthy young mother.

Lisa was diagnosed with T4b mucinous adenocarcinoma in July 2023. After surgery she went on to complete a course of adjuvant chemotherapy, all of us hoping that 2024 would be a year of healing and clear reports.

May of 2024 brought the blow of a disappointing setback - significant metastatic disease in the abdomen. More chemotherapy, research into clinical trials, thinking about the future for herself and her small family.

At this time, with evidence of disease progression and having exhausted all local options she is now hoping to be approved for additional surgical and chemotherapy options outside of Nova Scotia. I’m hopeful that funds raised can be used to help her and her family pursue this goal including expenses related to travel and treatment in the US. Additionally allowing them to spend as much time together as possible without the added burden of financial stress.

For those who don’t know Lisa - she is just simply one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. She and her husband Mike are the eternal high school sweethearts, both kind and funny and down to earth, and would do anything to help anyone they could. Together they are parents to Nate, a rockstar of an 8 year old who is equally as sweet as both his parents.

I knew her first only by name as a fellow physician - a local plastic surgeon. My go to for all things in that field, with patients often hoping they’d have another issue that would require seeing her again. Then, as a new momma with a tiny Nate in arms, navigating all the wonders of raising a toddler. Now as my dear friend, salt of the earth, cancer fighting warrior.

Please consider supporting her ongoing fight to kick cancers ass, and to have the support of her partner and son by her side while she does it!