Regina woman battles 3rd cancer

Support from family, friends and strangers is lifting the spirits of Kimber-Leigh Schmidt, who is battling her third diagnosis of cancer in five years.

The most recent diagnosis — in late 2014 — came as a surprise because Schmidt had been responding well to treatment for earlier cancers.

"We were shocked because the doctor, in the year prior, pretty much said 'You're cancer free'," she said. Schmidt was 25 when an very rare form of cancer, a lump in her foot, had been removed with no complications.

Two years later, however, the cancer returned and led to the amputation of her left foot.

"I've never felt it was unfair," Schmidt said. "I just felt like it is what it is."

In November, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to her lungs.

She has begun a course of chemotherapy which, if it has the desired effect, will allow doctors to operate.

In addition to the medical challenge, keeping up with expenses has been difficult.

A family member, looking for ways to help out, started a crowdfunding campaign online.

"I figured it was a great way to reach a lot of people that we couldn't necessarily reach at home," Mike Pollock explained. The page has raised over $11,000 and has found support beyond friends and family.

"Random strangers are donating their money to me just upon reading the story. It's just incredible," Schmidt said.

The support is helping to ease the financial pressure and allows Schmidt to focus on her health.

"Everyday I wake up is a day to be grateful for," she said.