**This is a call out to raise money to support Matta as she overcomes cancer**

I have created this fundraiser for Andrea Matta Schaal, with her blessing. She has very recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically invasive ductal carcinoma. Matta has been one of my closest friends for over 20 years and i want to do everything i possibly can to support her through this hard time so she can become cancer-free and well.  I know Matta's friends, family, and community will shower her with support and that she will be well taken care of through this time.

At this time Matta is in the process of creating a treatment plan with her health care providers. It is likely she will be starting chemotherapy soon, with surgery likely in the spring. Updates will be offered on this page for friends who wish to be up to date on her healing process. 

Matta is a single mother who works for Denman-Hornby Health as a youth outreach support worker and counselor, is an artist, and is currently studying to be a Somatic Experiencing practitioner. She is also a a practitioner of Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Feldenkrais, Systema (Russian Martial art), various breath work styles, and meditation. She built her own cob house at Coho Landing, where Matta lives with her daughter Astrid. (see video)  Matta is an active member of the Denman Island community, worked at our school for years, and shows up for our youth in many ways. We need Matta to get well so she can remain an integral thread in the fabric of our community, and live a long and precious life. 

At this time, money is already very tight, for Matta,  with no room in the monthly budget for medical costs associated with healing from cancer.

This fundraiser aims to rise enough money for Matta so she can pay for:

*Healthy organic food, supplements and complementary medicines

*Time off work to focus on healing and recuperate from any surgery or chemotherapy

*Access holistic oncology and naturopathic care (not covered by medical system)

* A high-quality juicer and juice ingredients 

Please consider donating whatever you can afford or feel called to towards Matta's cancer healing fun. No donation to small or too big.  You could alternatively send an e-transfer directly to Matta at : asmattamay@hotmail.com