Hi, my name is Steve Blakeney, and I’m fundraising for my partner, Sandi Smith, who is courageously battling ovarian cancer.
Sandi was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in October 2023. Since that life-changing moment, she has faced every step of this journey with incredible strength, courage, and determination. In July 2024, she was accepted into a clinical trial at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto — one of the leading cancer centres in the country.
The trial uses a promising immunotherapy drug called Keytruda, and we are so grateful to share that Sandi has already seen very encouraging results. For the first time in months, we’re feeling hopeful.
If you know Sandi, you know that she is a bright light in the lives of everyone who meets her. She’s endlessly kind, uplifting, and always the first to offer help or a warm word to someone in need. Even now — in the midst of an incredibly difficult battle — she continues to show up with a smile, never complains, and remains one of the most positive people I know. Her strength, grace, and unwavering optimism inspire me every single day.
While the clinical trial generously covers the cost of the treatment itself, it doesn’t cover the many other costs that come with being part of it.
We live three hours away from Toronto. Every visit to Princess Margaret requires long drives, overnight hotel stays, meals on the road, parking fees, and additional medications not covered by the study. The trial is expected to last two years or more, and the expenses are piling up fast.
We’ve set a fundraising goal of $20,000 to help cover the cost of:
* Travel to and from the hospital
* Hotels and accommodations
* Meals during hospital stays
* Out-of-pocket medication costs
* Other unforeseen expenses that arise along the way
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference and helps lift a heavy weight off our shoulders. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and community.
Thank you for helping us support someone so incredibly deserving. Your kindness means more than we can ever say.
With love and gratitude,
Steve
