"She seeks a glimmer of hope:" GoFundMe launched for woman battling inoperable cancer.
Christa Hume has received the devastating news that she is suffering from an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. In response, her friends have initiated a fundraising campaign to help her access specialized treatments beyond Canada's borders.
In her fight for more time on this planet, Christa Hume, a dedicated mental health clinician, faces an uphill battle against advanced pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver, rendering it inoperable.
With conventional treatment options limited to chemotherapy and symptom management, three of her close friends—Kylie Gallant, Allannah Reed, and Kate Kallonen—have taken action by setting up a GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-christa-hume-fight-for-more-time). Their goal is to raise funds that would enable Hume to pursue specialized therapies aimed at treating advanced and end-stage cancers.
"Christa is naturally a fighter and took the initiative to research treatment options on her own. She discovered potential therapies in Germany and Texas that could offer her additional hope. Unfortunately, the financial requirements are quite significant," Gallant explained.
"That’s why we, as her friends, immediately decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help lessen the financial burden she faces should she be accepted for these treatments."
As of this past weekend, the GoFundMe campaign has successfully raised over $50,000, largely thanks to the numerous friends Christa has made throughout her years in Ontario.
"This outpouring of support truly reflects the profound impact Christa has had on the many communities she has served and the relationships she has built. Many of those who have contributed personally know her," Gallant noted.
"I’m not surprised by the generosity shown; Christa is an incredible person who absolutely deserves this love and support."
However, Reed points out that the amount raised so far will barely scratch the surface of the costs associated with the treatments Hume is currently considering at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.
"GoFundMe typically recommends aiming for $75,000 for campaigns like this. However, the actual costs for the treatment could be three to four times that amount," Reed stated.
The financial strain of affording such treatment is exacerbated by the impending layoffs at Algoma Steel this spring, which also affects Hume’s partner and other family members.
"This situation creates a double layer of hardship for them," Kallonen shared.
While the GoFundMe campaign saw over $20,000 raised on its launch day, the flow of donations has since begun to slow down.
"We are hoping to generate more momentum for her," Reed expressed.
All four women, including Hume, Kallonen, Gallant, and Reed, work as mental health clinicians and share a close-knit circle of friends who enjoy camping, dining, and traveling together.
"Our kids affectionately refer to Christa as ‘crazy auntie Christa’ because of her boundless love for them and the way she spoils them. She truly is a wonderful person," Kallonen remarked.
Hume’s friends are now rallying to raise funds to grant her precious additional time, especially for the sake of her one-year-old grandson.
"It’s crucial for her grandson to get to know her; he’s so young that he wouldn’t remember her if she weren’t around right now," Kallonen said.
"It’s vital that her grandson experiences the beauty of who she is."
Time is of the essence, particularly as healthcare professionals in Sault have started using the term "palliative" when discussing Hume’s condition.
"She refuses to accept that terminology. Christa wants hope, and the possibility of accessing these alternative treatments represents that hope for her," Gallant emphasized.
"This GoFundMe campaign is providing her with a renewed sense of optimism."
Looking ahead, another fundraising event is planned at The Ten Spot in the next few weeks, with proceeds from discounted services like laser nails, facials, and brow lamination going directly towards Hume's medical expenses.
