ESTEVAN — An Estevan family is thankful for the support it has received so far following a cancer diagnosis, but the battle, and their financial need, is far from over.
Lindsey Fitzpatrick started a GoFundMe campaign, , for her mother Lisa Fitzpatrick (Coate), who was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer.
"Hearing the words 'you have cancer' is something no one is ever prepared for, and our family has been deeply shaken by this news," Lindsey wrote. "Despite the fear and uncertainty, my mother has shown incredible strength, grace, and courage as she begins her journey to fight this disease."
As of the morning of June 1, the campaign has raised $6,455 of its $15,000 goal with 14 donations. The initial goal was $5,600, but a $5,000 donation from a long-lost aunt pushed them above the early objective.
"We just reconnected with her, so seeing that was very surprising, but we are grateful," Lindsey said.
Lindsey described her mother as always being "the rock of our family—loving, selfless and endlessly giving.
"Whether it was working long hours to support us, volunteering in our community, or simply being there when someone needed a hand or a kind word, my mother has always put others first," she continued.
"Now she needs us."
Lindsey said it's important for women to get a pap smear done to check for abnormal changes that could indicate cervical cancer
The treatment plan involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, along with regular monitoring and specialist visits, Lindsey said. Insurance only covers a portion of the expenses, and on top of medical bills, there are costs for transportation, medications and daily living that add up fast, specially since Lisa Fitzpatrick is unable to work during this time.
Lisa has a PET scan scheduled for June 3 to see if the cancer has spread, and then she will be undergoing radiation five times a week and chemotherapy once a week for five weeks. She will be staying at a cancer clinic in Regina, and Lindsey's grandmother Lorna Coate is going up to stay with her.
They don't know how long Lisa will have to recover from the chemotherapy.
But her mother is doing well, Lindsey said. Lisa was nervous at the start of the campaign, because she was uncertain of the community support and how she would feel with everyone knowing her situation.
"We are humbly asking for any support you can provide to help ease this financial burden so that my mother can focus on what matters most: healing and getting stronger.
"No amount is too small. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with others or keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers means the world to us."
"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, generosity, and support."
