A GoFundMe page has been created in support of the Godwin family – an Airdrie family of six that recently received news that Allison Godwin is battling stage four terminal cancer after being deemed cancer-free in January.
At the end of July 2021, Godwin was diagnosed with small cell cancer of the cervix while she was six months pregnant. Godwin underwent an emergency c-section birth and began chemotherapy and radiation a week later.
According to Godwin’s husband Erryn, their daughter was only two pounds and 11 ounces when she was born.
“Every day we were going to the hospital …it was a lot of long days,” Erryn said.
Never wanting their baby to be alone, Erryn would keep the newborn company while Godwin underwent radiation, joining father and daughter after she received her near-daily treatment.
Godwin received an all-clear prognosis in January.
“They told us to go back to normal and to live normal lives,” Erryn said.
However, in early April, Godwin noticed a walnut-sized lump on her collarbone, according to Erryn. Godwin had an ultrasound and biopsy of the lump to investigate further.
Sitting at home on a video call with Godwin’s oncologist, the family's greatest fears were confirmed: Godwin was diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer.
“[The oncologist] confirmed that she has tumours all over her body…it was totally shocking,” Erryn added.
Godwin’s cancer, a rare and aggressive form, is believed by her oncologists to have travelled through her blood before Godwin started her initial treatment, according to Erryn.
Since receiving the news, Ian Waller, Erryn’s uncle, has created a GoFundMe page for the family, with the Godwin’s approval.
“Most of us…get a lifetime to try and do the things you want to do. Now they’re faced with a situation where they don’t have that. They have a very limited window,” Waller said.
Waller wanted to help the family but, being located in Ontario, physically helping is difficult. By creating a GoFundMe page, Waller and other community members are able to support the family.
“I just wanted a platform for people that felt the connection to what they’re going through and want to help,” Waller added.
Godwin is currently receiving chemotherapy three days a week, every three weeks. Although the treatment will not cure Godwin’s cancer, the goal is to provide Godwin with as many more months as possible.
“Allie is the most inspiring, strongest woman I’ve ever met,” Erryn said, recalling when they first met in January 2013.
Co-workers at the Calgary 911 Dispatch, Godwin and Erryn were married in June of 2017.
“[The first time we met], she was working out in the gym in full uniform and I was getting a tour of the building…she was huffing and puffing, running on a treadmill…and I thought, ‘She’s pretty cute,’” Erryn added.
Godwin and Erryn both left their jobs after the diagnosis in order to care for each other and their children.
“There’s no way I’d be able to work right now,” Erryn said, explaining how he recently had started training for a new job position as a community peace officer but had to leave training in order to care for his family.
The couple has two daughters – a three-year-old and a nine-month-old. Godwin is also a stepmother to Erryn’s two sons from a previous marriage, who are 10 and 13 years old, respectively.
“When you see somebody going through the struggle as they have been going through courageously, with a smile on their face and not giving up and being realistic about what’s in front of them,” Waller said. “It should be an inspiration for so many not to give up, to continue to fight.”
The GoFundMe page can be found at bit.ly/3t8KFl0
