7 years ago I found out I had breast cancer. I beat that. I was grateful. Then about a year ago I was told I have hormone receptive cancer. It’s not curable. They said I’m stage 4 and terminal. I have about 5 years. 

My family consists of me, my husband (who is disabled and can’t work) my step son (lives in another city) two sons- one that is autistic, and one that tries to help but can barely get by himself, my daughter, her 2 children- a 4 year old boy and 4 month old girl. She’s struggling too. 

A few months after finding out I have terminal cancer we discovered my mother in law had died in her sleep. She lived with us. She paid part of the bills so while my husband and kids were mourning I had to figure out our bills. We had a bit of savings so this helped. She didn’t have life insurance so her funeral costs fell on us. 

Shortly after my dad got really sick and went into hospice care. He wanted to die at home. I was struggling working so I thought it’d be a good time to take some time off and take care of my dad in his final days. He died a month later. 

My dad also didn’t have life insurance so we again, had to pay the costs of his cremation and funeral. 

This took the rest of what he had. 

Things took a toll on me and I struggle with daily things. My husband is disable- but he does try to help. He can’t work. But the bills have been piling up and we don’t have a lot of help. Mostly- no one can help because everyone is struggling. 

We tried to cut costs. Even lived without heat all winter long- mostly because we couldn’t afford the costs of it. But this is our reality. I can’t afford my cancer medication a lot so we put it off until we have the money. Not good for my treatment. I also buy what’s on sale at the grocery store- make things as cheap as I can. My husband and I haven’t even gone out for dinner for our anniversary in about 7 years. It’s just not something we can afford right now. I’m so ashamed of the position we are in. I am willing to work but having a hard time finding a job right now. 

I can’t go back to my previous job. It’s physical and I just can’t handle it. I’m getting employment insurance benefits but it’s not a lot. So I’m looking for new work. Just not having a whole lot of luck as people are getting laid off right now. I’m educated so hopefully I can find something soon. But before I can do that- I need to fix my car. The brake line blew. It’s only a couple of hundred dollars. I just don’t have the money to do it right now. I don't mind taking the bus- but it’s also a 2.5 km walk to the nearest bus stop. It’s just hard to do. And with the amount of time I have to go to the hospital- it’s also a 1.5 hour trip each way but only a ten min drive. 

We’ve also fallen behind in our rent and our hydro bill. 

I’m about $9000 behind in everything. But I figure if I can get my car fixed- pay the hydro bill and pay part of the rent- I can manage holding off on the other stuff until I find a job. I’m just desperate for a bit of help right now. So I don’t feel hopeless and like I’m drowning. It’s hard because I’m a proud person. I’ve always stood on my own two feet. I’ve never had to ask for help before. But I don’t know what else to do. 

I know everyone is struggling right now. I’d be truly grateful for anything at all.  Thank you for reading my story and considering helping me 

photo of me is of much healthier days. I look horrible right now and don’t want my photo taken. I can’t stand how sick and old I look right now.