Strathmore family caught in a bind

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

All her life, Kelli Cran spent her life taking care of other people. For years, the 51-year-old mother of two looked after seniors and those with disabilities in Strathmore. But in late October, Cran was told the tables had turned and she would need to fight for her own life – a difficult task for the family where an accident and layoffs has left the unit without health benefits.
While Cran was fighting a bout with pneumonia a few months ago, doctors finally proceeded with tests and scans that revealed the Strathmore local suffered from inoperable Stage 3 lung cancer. While her husband was laid off from the Global Training Centre four months ago, Cran was on long-term disability following a knee surgery. With no health benefits, mounting bills, and Christmas around the corner, other family members and friends are hoping to raise funds to lessen the financial burden and reduce some accumulated stress.
“She’s one of the hardest working ladies I know, and she would give you the shirt off her back,” said Holly Robinson, Cran’s sister who set up a Go Fund Me page.
“All I know is the doctor said get your affairs in order. She’s so stressed. She’s up and down and all over the place. She’s worried about the bills and groceries and Christmas and the kids. We’re working on staying positive, but I can’t comprehend laying in bed at night wondering if you’re going to live for six months or eight months. I can’t personally even go there.”
The family, which includes her 13-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, is now faced with daily trips to Calgary for chemotherapy and radiation treatments, added travel expenses, and necessary drug payments. Already working two jobs and driving Cran to doctor appointments, Robinson was encouraged to set up a Go Fund Me page to raise $10,000 to help her sister and family out over the next two months. In turn, if the goal is met, Robinson will shave her head and post the photos.
“She’s going to lose her hair which she’s never cut in 51 years,” Robinson said. “She’s going to talk to the chemo guy, and if it’s the type of chemo that’s going to make her lose her hair, she’s going to donate 12 inches to Locks of Love, and it’s just going to kill her. So I started a Go Fund for her, and if we raise $10,000 I will shave my head.”
While the fund hasn’t gained much traction yet, it has already amounted to $2,400 at press time. To donate, visit her Go Fund Me page: Kelli’s Cancer Fight.