JayBattlesToBeatCancer

In June of 2019 Jill was diagnosed with Myxofibrosarcoma ( a type of soft tissue cancer). This type of cancer is very rare (Less than 1% of the population get it.), and thus difficult to treat.

In July of 2019 she had the large tumor removed. This was followed by 7 weeks of radiation treatments. She made the trip to Edmonton 5 days a week for each of these 7 weeks. In November, following her radiation treatments, Jay had a CT scan and it showed no signs of cancer. Between November of 2019 and June of 2020 Jill had a few more scans that were clear. Unfortunately, the last scan she had done in June showed 3 new tumors in her abdomen and pelvis. These tumors are very aggressive and doubled in size within the span of a month. A final scan in July had shown they are continuing to grow.
Although we have excellent cancer care in Alberta, Jays’s type of cancer is very rare and surgery is no longer an option for her. Chemo is an option, but she was told that with her type of cancer, there is only a 20 – 30% chance that the treatments would be successful and the side effects are very severe.

After much thought and heartbreaking conversations, Jay and her family have decided to seek treatment in Arizona. Jay is a candidate for a specialized type of chemotherapy that is not offered in Canada. This decision was very difficult as it means that Jay will have to be away from her home and family for an extended period of time. At the treatment center in Arizona, they will assess and determine the best combination of drugs to use to best help Jay. With this type of therapy, the chemo is injected directly into the tumors and thus will have less damaging effects on the rest of her body. Jay will need to spend 10 – 12 weeks there.

Jay is a loyal wife and a mom to 3 beautiful children ages 27, 14 and 11. She is an Educational Assistant at our Public school and is an avid community volunteer. She is very hard working and extremely generous with her time to help those around her. Jay and her husband Ryan are not the type to ask for help, so we have decided to set up this page to help provide Jay and her family the financial assistance they will most certainly need moving forward.

The financial burden of this type of situation is hefty. As these treatments are not being done in Alberta, medical bills will not be covered. Jay will need a house to live in and a vehicle to rent while she is there. Added to this Jay will be unable to work throughout this entire ordeal and possibly for an unknown amount of time after she returns home.

Your donations will help Jay and her family get through this tough time. Any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated and the family is extremely grateful for your generosity and kindness!

Posted by Jay’s sister-in-law Ashley and brother Keith