Community rallies behind Nelson woman’s fight against cancer
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Heritage City is rallying behind a Nelson woman after the mother of one was recently diagnosed with a serious form of breast cancer.
Galena Rose Pal, a longtime resident of the Nelson area and mother to three-year-old Snow, received the devastating news in June she has cancer, and that the disease has shown signs of spreading.
Cancer is one of the scariest known words,” said friend Steve Archdekin, who is spearheading a fundraising campaign so Pal can receive treatment at a cancer-focused clinic in Tijuana, Mexico.
“The strain from a cancer diagnosis is hard to comprehend. It completely throws one’s world upside down. The emotional stress is hard to quantify on its own, but the financial impact is absolutely staggering and brings on a whole other level of debilitating stress.”
Archdekin said after weeks of exhausting appointments leading up to, and following her diagnosis, Pal travelled for some very focused treatment. On Tuesday (July 19) Pal returns to Vancouver to being working with a team of oncologists and many other specialists to get the best treatment available.
However, this treatment is expensive. Which is why friends have started a GoFundMe page up under the name “Galena’s Breast Cancer Journey” for online donations to help defer costs.
“Galena is a very strong woman . . . fueled by the love of her daughter and the loving support of her family and the community around her,” Archdekin said.
“We know she will get through this, but are under no illusions that it is an easy road ahead of her so we’ve started several different platforms for fundraising to help her with all the massive expenses associated with this journey while alleviating some of her stressful burdens and get her the help she needs.”
Along with the Go Fund Me page, there is a Facebook Auction page with donation being accepted until the end of day July 20th.
Archdekin said items are posted on the Facebook Events Page: “Galena’s Breast Cancer Journey – Facebook Auction.”
Bidding opens July 21st at 9 a.m. and ends July 26th at 9 p.m.
“The highest bid at closing time on the 26th wins,” Archdekin said.
“Winning bidders can pay for and pick up items from me on July 27th.”
“There is a ton of amazing stuff donated from so many local businesses and artisans.”
Archdekin has also started a Facebook Group (Galena’s Breast Cancer Journey) for all updates with fundraising efforts as well as merchandising.
“We are selling water bottles and hats, and will be selling T-Shirts as well,” he said.
Archdekin said he has secured a spot at the July and August evening MarketFest on Baker Street to be selling merchandise as well as baked goods.
He is also hoping to get into some of the Wednesday Markets as well.
On (Saturday) August 20 Archdekin said Jimmy Bundshuh and Jenna Arpita have graciously donated Bloom Nightclub for a fundraising event.
“All fundraising efforts will continue to grow and evolve until Galena comes through this challenging journey of hers,” Archdekin said.
“We are pursuing every possible avenue to help her any way we can.”
