Marie's battle with Lung Cancer

Aaniin, boozhoo, hello,

Mom's Story:

On October 18, 2021 my mom had major surgery to remove lung cancer and a whole ass lobe of her lung was taken out.

This week I received a call I had hoped, prayed and ceremonied would NEVER come...

My sweet mom has been diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer. Just over a year after she was deemed cancer free.

Three months ago during a routine scan, there was nothing.

Last week they found a 7cm x 4cm tumor. At this time, the doctors aren't sure if they're going to be able to remove anything and in the next few weeks she will be having an MRI and PET scan to check for metastization. This is growing really fast. Since her 30s she has had multiple types of cancer, beginning with skin cancer. She is not even 60 years old yet and this horrible disease is relentless with her. She has the biggest heart. :(

My parents had to leave their home in the spring of this year due to serious mould issues. They are currently houseless and living with other folx. While they are incredibly accommodating, it's important my mom especially is in a place where she can be at the most peace and where there is no stairs. At this time, she is unable to walk the length of a living room without being tired and out of breath. Nor is she able to go outside without assistance. Whether it be a cane, or my pops.

My Story:

I am currently going through the eviction process. I do not want to stay where I am and before mom's diagnosis I had already planned on moving to Oshawa to be closer. Now she needs me more than ever.

Right now I am receiving assistance through OW. I'm going through the ODSP process however I have been denied twice and am now waiting for my hearing at the tribunal. I have been fighting this battle since October 2021 when I lost my job, it's not enough for me to be able to live (I live alone), save to move, actually move, and to travel to see mom and attend appointments before the move actually happens.

I have been selling my possessions to help with this transition. I have no choice but to sell everything and move into a bedroom as soon as one opens up that I can afford. I have been searching diligently and preparing my apartment for a quick move when it's possible.

Both my parents are retired. My pops worked hard his whole life with the TTC and my mom also worked really hard. She became a nurse at 31 to flee an abusive relationship with me on her back. She excelled as a Mental Health Nurse but her passion was with her palliative patients in home care. This is when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to leave her career for good. Things never really got better for my mom. The treatment for the breast cancer was very aggressive and her body rejected it. It led to severe neuropathy and she struggles with chronic pain every day.

Then last year, as mentioned, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Now it has come back and she is in a fight for her life, we need your help.

Our Ask:

We are asking, if you are able to, to help us with unexpected costs. Either by donating yourself (ANY AMOUNT is more than generous) or by sharing this with your networks.

Right now my mom's Oncologist is in Kingston and she is in Oshawa. She has to go back and forth from Kingston hospital, Belleville hospital and Oshawa hospital. She will also need to take a trip to Ottawa for a special kind of test that is only available there. She did that last time as well. This is going to be costly when it comes to gas, travel, food, etc. Although they are couch surfing, they pay rent and this has been difficult for them to save money to move. There is a good chance my mom will need some homecare devices and supplies, possibly a special diet. I just dont want them to stress anymore. they're ALWAYS stressed and worried about something.

Selling my possessions is not enough for me to be able to get out of here quickly, smoothly and without any more stress. I have had a really, REALLY tough time with my mental health in the last year. With the severity of the cancer and the frequency of her appointments, I'm asking for help for travel/transit funds so that I can go to Oshawa and all her appointments. It's really important that im with her right now.

I am BEGGING everyone to please, please keep my mom in your prayers, your thoughts, your everything you can.

This ogichidaakwe (White Lily Woman) is my world, she's my everything. And we both need you all more than ever. She is a member of the Indigenous community and I'm asking that we all rally around her spirit and send the most healing. 

Chi Miigwetch/thank you so much for everything yall are doing for us. We are very lucky to have so many caring and compassionate folx around us. We can feel the love and support. Keep praying. Last year's cancer free announcement was truly a miracle, let's do it again. Y'all know how close we are and we are in her fight together.

Chi gzaagin, I love yous.