This is happening far to often for me to be even remotely comfortable with. Young woman, and mothers are being diagnosed with cancer. This brings on so much emotion one cannot actually handle it alone, and this is why I am stepping out today and lending a hand out to Aimee.
Here is Aimee’s story, written from a dear friend of hers:
Aimee Taylor, 33, is a friend of mine from UBC, where we studied Creative Writing together. She married her partner, Evani, after she finished the program. She and Evani are both talented musicians who both sing in the Lions Gate Chorus. Aimee works in communications at the Child and Family Research Institute; she’s currently on leave after recently having her first child. Baby Alexa was born full-term and healthy a little over five months ago – she is the smiliest baby I’ve ever seen. Since then, recovery has not been a smooth road; Aimee discovered in late June that the symptoms she had been experiencing were easily explained by recovery from a difficult labour followed by a C-section, which is why it was a complete surprise to learn that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She was admitted to VGH with severe stomach pain, they found a tumour, and the cancer had spread. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour, and then had a PET scan to determine what the next steps would be. The scan determined that the cancer had not spread anywhere other than the liver; she will undergo chemo, followed by surgery to remove what they can from her liver. The challenging news is that it is a stage IV cancer – the most advanced kind, which means this will be a difficult fight. However, Aimee is a tough lady with much to fight for.
Aimee is kind and funny and creative. She is a talented writer and storyteller. And she is a devoted partner, mother, and friend. In hospital, she confided that she hadn’t begun to process this news for herself – her primary concern lay with Evani and Alexa, and how this would affect them.
Aimee would never ask for it, but she needs our help.
In hopes to not only shed some light on Aimee’s story, I’m here to show you how you can help Aimee and her family through this trying time. From monetary donations, to the donation of your save-on-more points, to supplying food, and even breastmilk. I know that their is something that each one of us can do based on all the available options above, so please do what you can.
* Aimee is also no longer able to breastfeed Alexa; for more information, read her story in the Vancouver Sun.
To donate breastmilk, email Margo at margo@margossecrets.com.
* Her partner is now on leave with her, so naturally funds are tight; Aimee’s brother has set up a fundraiser
To donate money please go here: http://www.gofundme.com/3hqa1k.
* Donate your Save-On Points so that Aimee and her family can use toward gift cards for groceries
To donate your points, call 1-800-242-9229 and ask to put the points toward card number 480 0343 4081 (the second line of numbers is AC #X6VXNU)
* Want to prepare them a meal or provide them some baby items?
Please email emily.wight@gmail.com to coordinate or add your name to the calendar that has been set up.
Thank you to everyone who helped in anyway possible. And for those who are just sending all their most positive loving vibes ever… THANK YOU!
This is absolutely heartbreaking and a story I have been hearing all to often lately. It’s just not fair! Thank you for sharing Aimee’s story 🙂 My heart goes out to her and her family and friends, I will most definitely be sending my positive loving vibes their way.