Three years ago my friend Kristee Lyle Aubin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Two of her biggest supporters during this challenging time were her neighbours, Brooke Maslink and her husband Ryan.
This lovely couple left Kristee’s neighbourhood to move somewhere quieter to raise a family.. It was such a loss for Kristee. She and her husband had never had luck with neighbours in this particular house and they were so happy to have Brooke and Ryan there.
Kristee knew they would always keep in touch but no longer having them as neighbours left a void in her life.
Last month Kristee received the most heartbreaking news about Brooke.
Brooke has been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, this cancer starts in the breast ducts, grows through the duct wall and grows into nearby breast tissue. The cells can continue to grow and cause a lump or thickening in the breast. The breast cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. On average, the survival rate for all types of breast cancer after five years is 88 per cent.
If this wasn’t enough of a pill for Brooke and Ryan to swallow, they are trying to navigate through this diagnosis while expecting their first child. Brooke is six months pregnant with a baby boy.
Brooke and Ryan were both so generous when Kristee was going through her own struggle with cancer, now she wants to help them.
Last week Kristee reached out to me. I have known Kristee since high school. Kristee and I chatted and came up with a plan to help Brooke and her family financially.
We texted back and forth with Brooke last week and on Thursday, Kristee launched a very special bracelet. This bracelet will help raise funds for Brooke and Ryan so that it will allow for Ryan to take leave from his job with Bell Canada to look after their young son while Brooke undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Brooke shared with us that the colour blue is very healing for her, it calms her. She loves to sit by the water to relax and keep a positive mindset.
We have named the ocean blue bracelet “Blessings for Brooke”. They are $45 each (plus $5 shipping per order if required) and all of the proceeds collected will go to Brooke and her family.
Kristee’s hope is that we will wear these bracelets in solidarity to provide hope, love and security to this beautiful family and to give them the happy future they so deserve.
Monica XO
If you are interested in making a purchase you can do so HERE .
Moni – I can’t believe how long we have been friends! Through the years you never fail to amaze me with your kindness, you have always been the most creative and supportive person and always fight for the little guy<3 This bracelet is beautiful and represents Brooke so perfectly!! I am so excited for this opportunity to help Brooke and Ryan financially – after hearing this awful news I felt so lost, I knew I wanted to help them in whatever way I could. This partnership is perfect (who doesn't want some beautiful julz with an amazing cause)!
Thank you for all of your help launching this. Love you xoxo
Oh Kristee! I know, it feels like yesterday we were all goofing around in the caf at school! Thank you so much for your kind words. You have a heart of gold, anything I can do to support you and help, I will! We are going to make this a huge success for dear Brooke and Ryan. I just know it! Love you my friend XO