A Canadian couple wanted nothing more than to be parents. After struggling with infertility, they conceived via in-vitro fertilization and welcomed a baby girl, Amelia. Everything was perfect until life threw them two terrifying curveballs. Jazz Turgeon, 39, and Patrick Haggart, 35, were both diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses when their only child was just 18 months old.
Turgeon has a noncancerous brain tumor, and Haggart has stage four colon cancer. Both illnesses have led to complications, but the family is doing their best to live a happy life with their daughter and enjoy every minute they have together.
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Turgeon became ill first.
The couple spoke with Global News Canada and explained that Turgeon went to the doctor after complaining of dizziness, and an MRI revealed she had a sizable brain tumor that appeared to have been growing since childhood. She was unaware of the tumor's presence, and although it is noncancerous, that could change at any time.
"It's almost like I didn't believe it, which I think is part of the process," she told Global News. "I was very in shock."
Haggart's diagnosis came a month later.
On Valentine's Day, Haggart was doubled over in pain and went to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. During his surgery, doctors discovered he had cancer and would need chemotherapy to save his life.
The father began treatment, but in June, Turgeon's health took a frightening turn.
The mom experienced a terrifying seizure.
Turgeon told Global News, "The contractions of the seizure actually busted my L2 vertebrae, which is a vertebrae in your lower back."
She will have to undergo surgery to remove as much of her tumor as possible, but doctors warned she may not be the same after surgery.
"That's where 'who I am' lives. So to be told that when you have such a young kid is very hard, because you want your kid to know you," she said.
Now, the couple is just trying to survive.
They shared with Global News they will fight to stay alive and well for Amelia. Sadly, they've had to have difficult conversations with family, who assured them their daughter would be taken care of in the event something happened to them.
"We do have some people that we've talked to, my sister in particular," Turgeon said. "I'm not even 40. You know, it's very strange to tell my husband, 'In the event of my death, this is what I would like,' and vice versa. "
"We're hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, you know?" Haggart added.
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Loved ones are helping the best they can.
Max Honigmann created a GoFundMe account for the couple to help with mounting expenses.
He wrote on the fundraising page, "This is where we, their friends and loved ones, can step in and help. By offering a few dollars, we can help them cover essential costs and lighten their load. All donations will go directly to Jazz and Patrick, and any amount is appreciated. Your support is precious and meaningful during this difficult time."
The page has raised nearly $40,000 of a $45,000 goal thus far.
