Imagine

While I was talking to my aunt about when Nathan was sick, she told me a lot about the emotional rollercoaster she felt like she was on. She said there were too many things happening at once. Her child was sick, her child was going through tough treatment, she was looking out for her son who wasn’t sick, she was trying to ensure her family stayed together, she was worrying about paying bills, she was worrying about paying for Nathan’s treatment and supplies at home. 

She said, “The financial burden on top of that emotional rollercoaster is what can split families apart. The money is the simple thing to help with.”

She asked me to imagine what I would feel like if my very best friend in the world was diagnosed with cancer. I thought about how scared I would feel, how I would want to keep my spirits up for her, how I would want to support her through her own feelings of loneliness and fear. I thought about how devastating it would be to hear that the cancer was not curable. 

Then she asked me to imagine that I had to pay for my friend’s food, rent, and bills on top of all that. I think I would feel so torn because I would want to spend as much time as possible at my friend’s side but I would also know that I had to try to keep the finances together because I would still have to think about the future. I imagine the logistical stress on top of the emotional stress might feel unbearable.

I can’t imagine doing all that alone and without help and my aunt agrees. She said she is grateful the social workers at Children’s Hospital and all her friends and family who banded together to raise funds to help cover the costs of supplies and medications for Nathan. 

You can help someone who may be in a similar position to my aunt and uncle by donating to Balding for Dollars. 

We’re only three days away and only about $700 away from the $4000 goal. Please help spread the word so we can reach our goal by Saturday!

Also, check out BC Childhood Cancer Parent’s Association to read more about another fantastic organization that supports families during and after childhood cancer treatment. To read my aunt’s description of her experience follow the “About Us” to “Director Profiles” and “Nelson/Sloss Profile”.