We are reaching out to share the story of our dear friend, Amy Wilkinson, who is currently facing immense challenges at just 49 years old. Throughout her life, Amy has experienced both highs and lows, just like all of us. However, some of her downs have been truly unimaginable. In 2014, she tragically lost her beloved daughter at the tender age of 7. Later, her marriage dissolved, adding to the weight of her struggles. Now, she finds herself fighting for her life, with the sole purpose of being there for her 18-year-old son, Ewan. In the fall of 2024, Amy started experiencing distressing symptoms, including chest pains, headaches, and unusual swelling. Despite her visits to local emergency rooms, she was unable to find answers. It wasn't until late October, during another emergency room visit, that a chest CT scan revealed a non-operable tumor wrapped around her super vena cava vein. Further tests confirmed that it was stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Facing aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments over 6.5 weeks, she felt terrified and exhausted, but she persisted with the unwavering support of her family and close friends During this difficult time, Amy had just started a new job at the University of Windsor. Sadly, due to the short time, she had been employed before her diagnosis, she did not qualify for benefits, leaving her in a vulnerable financial situation. The government's partial sickness funding was not enough to cover her expenses, and in March 2024, she had to return to work despite not being in optimal health. The financial strain became evident as she used up her savings to cover bills and medications. In March 2024, there was a glimmer of hope as Amy began immunotherapy, and it seemed like things were turning around. However, after her 6-month CT scan in early July 2024, Amy was rushed to the hospital for an emergency procedure to drain over 500 CC of fluid from her heart. Doctors are now worried that this may indicate a recurrence of cancer, with the possibility of it growing once again. Her Oncologist also expressed concerns about the dangers of performing a biopsy on the heart or tumor due to life-threatening complications. To improve her chances of fighting cancer, Amy's Oncologist recommended completing the Guardant 360 blood biopsy test, which is very costly. Regrettably, while this test is considered medically necessary in the United States and covered, it is not financially reimbursed in Canada. If this test reveals the presence of genetic markers, it could open up the best therapy options for Amy to live a long life. Currently under the care of exceptional cancer specialists at the London Regional Cancer Program at London Health Science Centre (London, ON), Amy will continue various tests throughout the summer. We wholeheartedly ask for any support or donation you can offer to help her get this crucial medical test. Your kindness and generosity can make an immense difference in her battle against cancer. Please, if you can, share Amy's story with others. Every bit of assistance counts, and we are sincerely grateful for any help you can provide. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this compassionate journey to support our beloved friend, Amy Wilkinson. We got you Amy! Love, Liz, Jenn, Tracy, Michelle and Mindy
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