Imagine being told you have inoperable cancer and that your time is limited. That’s the devastating reality Christa Hume is facing. Diagnosed with an aggressive 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 heartbreaking: her only options in Canada are chemotherapy and symptom management. And this is the part most people miss: there are specialized treatments available in places like Germany and Texas that could offer her hope, but they come with a staggering price tag.
Christa, a dedicated mental health clinician, isn’t one to give up without a fight. She’s done her research and found potential lifelines, but the cost is far beyond her reach. That’s where her friends—Kylie Gallant, Allannah Reed, and Kate Kallonen—stepped in. They launched a GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-christa-hume-fight-for-more-time) to help her access these treatments. So far, the outpouring of support has been incredible, raising over $50,000, much of it from the friends and communities Christa has touched over the years in Ontario.
But here’s the harsh truth: $50,000 is just a drop in the bucket. The treatment Christa is exploring at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas could cost upwards of $300,000. And this is where it gets controversial: Is it fair that life-saving treatments are only accessible to those who can afford them? Shouldn’t healthcare systems do more to support patients like Christa?
Adding to the burden, Christa’s family is facing financial strain due to looming layoffs at Algoma Steel, affecting her partner and other relatives. The GoFundMe campaign brought in over $20,000 on its first day, but donations are slowing down. “We’re hoping to gain more traction,” Reed said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Christa’s friends describe her as a beacon of love and joy. “Our kids call her ‘crazy auntie Christa’ because she spoils them and loves them wildly,” Kallonen shared. Now, they’re rallying to give her more time—time to create memories with her grandson, who is too young to remember her if she’s gone too soon. “It’s crucial for him to know what a beautiful person she is,” Kallonen added.
But time is slipping away. Healthcare professionals in Sault Ste. Marie are using the word ‘palliative’ when discussing Christa’s diagnosis—a word she refuses to accept. “She wants hope,” Gallant said. “This GoFundMe is giving her that.”
In the coming weeks, The Ten Spot will host another fundraiser, donating proceeds from discounted services directly to Christa. But the question remains: Will it be enough? What do you think? Should healthcare systems do more to support patients like Christa, or is it up to communities to fill the gap? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
