Caitlyn MacDonald
Six hundred thousand. That’s how many patient-visits are made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital each year.
Forty-five thousand. That’s how many patient-visits are made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre annually. And recently, one of them was my sister. At just 32-years old, she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.
My name is Caitlyn MacDonald, and I am the Manager of Philanthropy with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Her diagnosis forever changed my heart and my work here at the Foundation.
Cristyn had just returned home to Cape Breton after years of teaching abroad and had recently completed her master’s degree in education. She was filled plans, hope, and excitement – her life was just getting started.
When she got her diagnosis, I remember one of the first things she said to me: “I’m sure I can pick up a few subbing shifts in between my rounds of chemo.”
That sentence shattered me.
Because instead of being able to focus on fighting cancer, she was immediately thinking about how she’d keep up with student and car loan payments.
Cristyn’s story is, heartbreakingly, a common one here in Cape Breton.
Cristyn has us — a strong family and friend circle who can help support her. But I know, from working at the Foundation, that many individuals aren’t as fortunate.
I know that people are cutting life-saving medication in half because they cannot afford the refill. I know that they’re missing critical appointments in Halifax because paying for gas and accommodations is out of reach. I know this because our Foundation receives requests for support every single day.
Last year, we supported more than 2,700 patients. That’s more than 200 Cape Bretoners each month. And, 200 more total than the previous year, showing that the need is ever-growing.
This week, my family will sit in the oncologist’s office with my sister, holding our breath, waiting to hear whether her latest scans show good news or more challenges ahead. In heavy moments like these, no family should be worrying about how they’ll afford what comes next.
Your support ensures they don’t have to.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to community. Together, we can help families – like mine – whose worlds have been turned upside down. Who need their community to help carry them.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Caitlyn MacDonald
Manager of Philanthropy
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation