A young Ponoka woman is facing a second bout with cancer and her family and community is rallying to her support.
Hope Trimble, 26, has worked with Ponoka Family and Community Support Services since 2020, mainly caring for seniors with disabilities.
In 2015, at the age of 17, Trimble was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumour in her left lung. It was cancerous and her left lung was removed and she endured three months of chemotherapy and radiation.
Trimble was in remission for five years before she began to have health concerns in the beginning of March.
She was having trouble breathing and generally not feeling well. A CT scan was done and four new lumps were found on her right breast. While two of the masses were determined to be cancerous, there is also a growth on her adrenal glands that is in the process of being tested.
According to Trimble’s grandmother Lorraine Gustafson, Trimble got very sick with the chemotherapy the first time around, and she is devastated her “beautiful granddaughter” is again facing months of chemotherapy and then surgery — possibly a double mastectomy.
“It has been an extremely trying time for the family,” said Gustafson. “We are totally devastated that this has happened again.”
Gustafson said Trimble has a rare form of carcinoid cancer and a team of doctors is currently working on a treatment plan for her granddaughter.
She said Trimble is feeling quite discouraged but will undergo treatment for the sake of her younger siblings.
Trimble will be off work for quite a while — possible a year — and will have added expenses including travel to appointments and prescriptions along with her regular bills.
A benefit supper, “Helping Hope,” will be held on July 7 at the Ponoka Legion. There will be a meal, catered by Bob Ronnie Catering, and a dance with music by the Gustafson Duo.
The evening will begin with cocktails from 4:30 until 6 p.m., followed by supper and the dance.
A live and silent auction will also help raise funds for Trimble. Items up for auction can be viewed on Auction Place’s Facebook page.
The goal is to raise $20,000 to $30,000.
Tickets are $35 per adult and children seven to 12 are $15. Tickets will be on sale until July 4.
Call 403-963-2171 to get your tickets. A limited number will be sold.
“This will be a very nice family event with all the proceeds going to Hope,” said Gustafson.