A community member who has tirelessly devoted her time to sports in the Columbia Valley is facing a long and difficult challenge as she undergoes treatment for a rare cancer.

A Crowdrise fundraising site has been established in order to enable people to make donations, of any size.

The following is the accompanying story with the Supporting Sandy Cook page.

“Sandy Cook has lived, worked, and volunteered for many years in Invermere. She is a mother, a giver, and a shining example of what makes our little community so wonderful – Sandy is also facing the fight of her life and needs our support.

Sandy’s volunteer role within our community has been huge, both with the Columbia Valley Rockies, and Windermere Valley Minor Hockey Association over many years.

“She is currently Recording Secretary for the Board of The Rockies, and a huge supporter of sports; and other causes in our community: volunteering; selling tickets; running BBQs and events; and generally helping out in any way needed.

“Sandy has been ill for a number of months and after a long period of testing has very recently, been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a rare cancer of the blood plasma cells) and Amyloidosis (a condition often experienced by Multiple Myeloma patients, which targets various organs through a build up of proteins).

“The cancer is treatable by high doses of chemotherapy combined with stem cell therapy, which also targets the Amyloidosis. Sandy has already started on the chemotherapy, as an outpatient in Cranbrook.

“The Stem Cell Therapy has to take place in Vancouver, and requires both travel, back and forward, and accompanied stays in the city. Sandy cannot attend her work due to her condition, and once she begins to travel to Vancouver from April 20, she will need funds to cover her travel and expenses.

“The course of treatment is long, and will leave Sandy indisposed for a significant period. It is anticipated that the costs to her will also be significant, aggravated by her inability to work and cover her normal costs of living.

“We all highly value Sandy’s volunteer contributions to our community over many years, and also the many years of service she has given through her long-term role as a legal assistant with MacDonald Thomas Law in Invermere.

“Now it is time for our community to give something back to Sandy! Please donate any amount that is comfortable for you so that we can at least take away some of the financial worries that Sandy will have to face.”

To make a donation please go to Crowdrise.

e-KNOW

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