Former community members seek support

Christine MacLean received the shock of her life this June when she was diagnosed with cancer; Stage 4 adenocarcinoma at her gastroesophageal junction.

The family of the former community member and psychotherapist is hoping for contributions to an online fundraiser. Surgery and radiation are not options
for this type of cancer in Canada. Christine is undergoing chemotherapy, but with heart related side effects presenting at the end the second round, the family is searching
for other treatment options.

Husband Kevin MacLean has launched a Go Fund Me campaign, hoping to raise $150,000 for treatments in the United States (Keytruda, an immunotherapy) and Germany (regional chemotherapy, and personalized tumour vaccines). She is also receiving acupuncture, and naturopathic treatments with an oncological naturopath.

“These supportive therapies can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, promise minimal side effects, and improve the chance of remission with a cancer that has slim survival rates. But they also come at a cost that she will not be able to afford without support,” writes Kevin.

The MacLeans have relocated to Nova Scotia, where just one month prior to the diagnosis, she had rented a space to start up a new private practice in Halifax.

Over the past 20 years, Christine has been a counsellor in Creemore and Collingwood areas, working primarily in private practice. Clearview Psychotherapy was located in Creemore from 2001 to 2006, and then in Collingwood from 2006 to 2018. MacLean’s work includes time with Georgian Bay Family Health Team, My Friend’s House, as Clinical Supervisor at Athena’s Sexual Assault Centre in Barrie, and most recently, in the sexual assault field at the Avalon Centre in Halifax.

To donate, visit www.gofundme. com/f/christine-maclean-help-healthe-healer.