Posted by Lyle Goodin on Sep 28, 2014

At the heart of Team Hartwell is Carrie. Carrie Hartwell is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife and most importantly, a Mother.

Anyone who knows Carrie is used to her kind words and smile, and may not have even realized that for the last two years she has been suffering from the terrible effects of the growth of a Pineal Tumor.  A Pineal Tumor locates near the centre of the brain and the symptoms are headaches, nausea, vomiting, double vision and memory problems to name a few; combined they have made life intolerable for Carrie.

Carrie is not alone in her suffering. Other members of the Hartwell family are husband Rick, son Ryan, and daughters Aleah, Kayley and Stephanie.  Team Hartwell includes the numerous family members, friends and community members who want to help this family get their Carrie/Mom back…...

There is light at the end of the tunnel, a new hope on the horizon, an opportunity to make the grey skies shine bright once again for Team Hartwell.
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On Thursday September 18th Carrie & Rick made the journey to the Hermann Memorial Medical Centre in Houston, Texas, where Carrie will undergo a procedure that we hope will alleviate her symptoms and give her back the quality of life that she had not so long ago.

Please understand….this was not Carrie’s first choice. After looking for answers and help within our own healthcare system, the Hartwell’s were left with no viable options available here in Canada. After much painful consideration, the decision was made to head south at their own expense. The financial expenses associated with a procedure of this nature are tremendous and the strain of separation from their family and friends for up to six weeks is immeasurable.

Team Hartwell will run various fundraising events over the next few months that are intended to assist Carrie & Rick address the massive financial burden of Carrie’s upcoming surgery. 

The Rotary Club of Bowmanville was pleased to be able to participate as part of Team Hartwell.  We wish Carrie and her family all the very best!