Lake Country girl, 4, battling brain cancer

Published on February 3, 2023 by David Wylie

Photo: Contributed

A Lake Country single mother is hoping to raise $10,000 to help cover costs while her four-year-old daughter goes through treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Madison Szarek started a Go Fund Me campaign after finding out on her birthday that her young daughter would be fighting for her life.

More than $4,000 was raised the first day.

Paul Taylor shared the campaign with his Oyama neighbours on Facebook.

“My niece and her four-year-old daughter are going through an incredibly tough time right now. They live in Lake Country and are having to spend the next few months at BC Children’s hospital dealing with what would be any parent’s nightmare. Please help if you are able to. Thank you.”

The Go Fund Me page is written by 23-year-old Szarek, who goes by ‘Maddy.’

Szarek says the cancer is an aggressive tumour within the back of her brain — the coordinating part.

Her daughter had brain surgery Jan. 26.

“Although 95% of the tumour was removed, the rest of it will have to be treated through chemotherapy for the next seven to nine months, with only a 40-50% success rate when it comes to curing her disease forever.”

Her treatment is expected to start around Valentine’s Day, she says.

“It would mean the world to us for us to not have to worry about funds throughout her treatment, especially as we’ll often be having to fly back and forth from cities,” wrote Szarek.

“Our family is tight on money considering the new situation and I also haven’t been receiving regular child support payments due to the fact that my daughter’s father is struggling financially as well, so that makes it all the more difficult. All funds raised will be used towards flights (to and from BC Children’s Hospital), food, and general medical care for the long road ahead of us. Any donation will be much appreciated. We need all the help we can get.”