Announcement
&
Updates
Support Kirsten's Cancer Journey:
Stability Fund
Hey there, friends, family, and kind community members,
On July 3rd, 2026, my life shifted dramatically and unexpectedly when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis brings an overwhelming wave of physical. emotional, and logistical challenges.
My primary focus right now needs to be on my health, healing, and being present for my daughter and family.
To help reduce the financial strain during treatment, a few friends of mine have launched a fundraiser/paypal link to secure my essential monthly household and living expenses for the next 6 months.
Right now, the game plan from my oncologist team is 6 months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy; this works out to 12 infusions, plus regular bloodwork, CT scans, PET Scans, and much more. All of which need to be done at the Cancer Center located in Saskatoon, about 2.5 hours away from my home. It's 5 hours of travel each trip.
The state I am in right now is Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the subtype I have is called Mixed Cell.
As a self-employed practitioner, stepping back to undergo treatment means a major interruption to my regular income stream. EI/Sickness/Social Security are not going to cover the most basic and foundational aspects of my monthly expenses. I was on maternity leave last year, and as a self-employed person, they base your coverage on the previous year's income (not hours), which was very minimal due to maternity leave. Social Security says we are above the required means, so they will not help, as well as a few other cancer grants that I have applied for.
This puts a lot of financial strain on us as a new family.
Not to mention the cost of all the pre-appointments, tests, biopsies, and surgery that it took to get this answer. The costs of driving, daycare, accommodations, and days away from my schedule have taken a toll on my line of credit.
Every contribution, share, or word of encouragement directly lightens this load and allows me to focus on fully recovering without the constant worry of keeping up with the necessities.
If you are in a position to contribute, any amount helps me reach my safety net goal. If you aren't able to give financially, sharing this page with your network means the world to us.
Thank you so much for holding space, sending love, and standing by my family through this chapter.
I will be posting regular updates if you would like to keep up on how things are going.
A medical leave will be coming; I am just not sure when yet.
My books are still open for booking; do not be shy if you are feeling like you need something. My schedule is reduced significantly to accommodate my needs right now, and it has been working really well for me and everyone.
Right now, I feel extremely capable. I am still exercising, doing services, chasing my daughter, running the dogs and doing yard work.
The real testament to my strength lately is not how capable I am; I know I am strong, independent, and my Gemini mind can figure out any solution, but rather something really new for me: asking for help and assistance. Strength takes many forms, and it's not always persevering, pushing, and nose to the grindstone. It has taken a great deal of strength to allow myself to soften and be open to receiving from others.
To be on the other side of the flow rather than the one being there, giving, donating, and helping in any way I can. It's been a hard adjustment, to say the least.
My goal right now is to have a minimum safety net of 7000$ for the next 6 months. At the moment, August 23rd, I am sitting at about 2000$ from the generosity of family and the community members of my town.
These donations can be directed to the PayPal link or through an e-transfer.
With Deep Gratitude...
--Kirsten
August 23rd, 2026
I had my first chemo infusion on the 20th and am still a bit wobbly walking around, but other than that, I'm doing pretty well. Nausea and eating are proving to be more difficult than anticipated, but I have been lucky enough to have a grandma and an aunty bring over some casseroles, soups, and home-cooked meals for the freezer, so I am not left with nothing. I also have been set up with free accommodations in Saskatoon if need be so that has taken a weight off of my shoulders as well.
I have also received some materials so I can get back into quilting and sewing. I am a creative and cannot just sit still LOL. I think sewing and quilting will be a great way to keep my creative flow happy. Reiki Candles are also on my agenda through this, and I am looking forward to connecting with candle magic again for you all.
My goal of 7000$ for my basic bills is currently sitting at 2000$.
Still playing the medical leave date by ear at this time. My oncologist has said that most people can continue to work during chemo if I feel up for it, but my intuition is telling me some time to myself is necessary. A social worker is helping me navigate some of the financial hurdles I am facing at the moment through the Cancer Clinic in Saskatoon.
September 4th, 2026
Yesterday was my second chemo infusion so now I have successfully completed one round of chemo therapy.
With the money raised by my childhood best friend through the GoFundMe, I was able to pay off some travel expenses that had racked up, a couple of wigs, and more. I am truly grateful for her and to all of you that sent donations. I am feeling a bit better about my financial situation right now but the future anxiety does creep in from time to time about whats to come after the 6 months of chemo therapy I am going through right now. Will it be enough? Can I get through these months? I am working on my mental state right now to help keep things present. Right now, things are looking good in terms of a safety net. I have also been working really hard at keeping a positive mindset. In terms of finances, I have done all I can, I have exhausted all avenues. I get the same answers from everyone, your maternity last year was poor timing and your household income is above range for us to help. What a weird spot to be in.
My immunotherapy did not go well last round. The pain I experienced was comparable to being induced when I gave birth and I was more sore after immutherapy than I was giving birth, so adjustments are being made to my treatments.