Imagine being told you have inoperable cancer and that your time is limited. That’s the devastating reality Christa Hume is facing right now. Diagnosed with an aggressive, advanced form of pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver, Christa is fighting for every precious moment she can get—especially with her one-year-old grandson. But here’s where it gets even more heart-wrenching: her only options within Canada are chemotherapy and symptom management. That’s why her friends, Kylie Gallant, Allannah Reed, and Kate Kallonen, have launched a GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-christa-hume-fight-for-more-time) to help her access specialized treatments abroad, like those in Germany or Texas, that offer a glimmer of hope for advanced and end-stage cancers.
Christa, a mental health clinician known for her fierce determination, has already done her research, uncovering potential treatments that could extend her life. However, the cost is staggering—far beyond what most families can afford. And this is the part most people miss: while the GoFundMe has raised over $50,000 so far, thanks to the incredible support from friends and communities across Ontario, it’s still just a fraction of what’s needed. “The suggested starting point for a campaign like this is $75,000, but the actual cost could be three or four times that,” Reed explains. And with layoffs looming at Algoma Steel this spring, Christa’s family is facing a double blow of financial hardship.
What makes Christa’s story even more poignant is the impact she’s had on those around her. Known as ‘Crazy Auntie Christa’ to her friends’ kids, she’s the kind of person who loves fiercely, spoils generously, and leaves an indelible mark on everyone she meets. “She’s so deserving of all the love and support she’s receiving,” Gallant says. But time is ticking. Healthcare professionals in Sault Ste. Marie are already using the word ‘palliative’ when discussing her case—a word Christa refuses to accept. “She wants hope,” Gallant emphasizes. “And these treatments could give her that.”
But here’s the controversial question: Should access to potentially life-extending treatments depend on crowdfunding? Is it fair that someone like Christa has to rely on the generosity of others to even have a chance at more time with her loved ones? These are the tough questions her story forces us to confront. As the donations begin to slow down, her friends are rallying for more support, including an upcoming fundraiser at The Ten Spot, where proceeds from discounted services will go directly to Christa.
Christa’s fight isn’t just about her—it’s about her grandson growing up knowing his grandmother, about the friendships she’s nurtured, and about the communities she’s served. It’s about hope in the face of overwhelming odds. So, we ask you: What does hope mean to you? And what would you do to hold onto it? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going for Christa and everyone else facing similar battles.
