To describe it as a “cruel twist” would be an understatement.
In July 2022, Delta resident Brooklyn Obrecht’s mother, Caryl-Lee, was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. She passed away from breast cancer in October of that year, at age 57.
Little more than a year later, in November 2023, Brooklyn received the same diagnosis as her mother.
This alone was cause for enormous stress and anxiety. Then she and her father, Jeff, were informed that a chemotherapy drug required for her treatment, which must be paid out of pocket, costs $5,500 per month. And this is only one of many forms of treatment not covered under provincial healthcare.
Brooklyn’s aunt, Alison Obrecht, offered to create a GoFundMe page whose proceeds would go towards medical expenses. Jeff, who is retired, was initially resistant to the idea. But, having learned that the drug significantly reduces Brooklyn’s pain and symptoms, he soon agreed.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $29,000 of its $50,000 target.
Jeff describes Brooklyn, who is 35, as “a gentle soul” who receives immense gratification from helping others.
In October 2020, when the pandemic was raging and most people were still isolating, Brooklyn moved out of a house she was renting in Vancouver and returned to the family home.
After Caryl-Lee received her third diagnosis, Brooklyn leapt into action, not only taking over household chores such as laundry and cooking; she also ensured her mother was rarely alone after being admitted to Delta Hospital’s Irene Thomas Hospice.
“Late at night, Brooklyn and I would be there with her,” Jeff recalls, “and there would literally be four cars in the parking lot: ours and three nurses. She and I would tag team, taking turns to bring her breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
“Now,” Jeff says, “with Brooklyn being sick, I’m doing everything, and it’s a lot of work. It’s just the two of us.”
Despite his and Brooklyn’s “incredibly tough” circumstances, Jeff is overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity of the people who have contributed to the GoFundMe, some of whom he barely knows.
“I knew we had a lot of friends, but I really didn’t expect this much support,” he says. “Psychologically, it’s made such a huge difference.
“I’m trying to find a way to thank people, but I can’t even come up with the words to say in a Facebook post. I can’t tell you how grateful we are.”
Brooklyn Obrecht’s GoFundMe page can be viewed here.
