The person who inspired the formation of a community group that raises money for people struggling financially when faced with expensive medical treatment has died.
Kim Kaye, 47, passed away Nov. 24. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2013. The cancer then spread to her brain.
“When first diagnosed, we were told she had about 18 months to live and she lived for 4.5 years after diagnosis. She died at 47 years old and her 48th birthday would have been Dec 13,” said longtime friend Donna Slavik, who began Kimmunity Angels Society after seeing Kaye’s financial difficulties while ill and learning that she wasn’t the only person struggling.
Slavik started the society in 2014. Its mission statement is “to promote health by providing financial assistance to seriously ill individuals for medical treatment, medical travel, equipment and supplies.
“When Kim was first diagnosed, the first words out of her mouth had nothing to do with concern for herself… the first words were ‘my children.’ She worried for her children every moment,” said Slavik, adding that Kaye has three teenagers.
Kaye was born and raised in Terrace and has one brother, Troy Kaye.
She and Slavik met when both worked at Mantiques clothing store.
“We hit it off right away and never stopped laughing. We became roommates about six months after we met and we lived together about five years and had a blast,” said Slavik, adding Kaye loved her children and they loved her instantly because she was so much fun.
Kaye was such a compassionate person that she was extremely emotional and honoured knowing that, because of her, many people would receive help from Kimmunity Angels, said Slavik.
“When I showed her the name I was thinking about for the society, she cried. She said she loved that we were both part of the name, as in her name is in Kimmunity, and she said I was her angel and the best friend anyone could be blessed with. We both sobbed at that point,” said Slavik.
“What I’d like people to know about Kim is her true compassion for others – she was always looking out for the underdog. She had the best sense of humour and was a lot of fun. A true friend and I feel so blessed to have had her in my life for 30 years.”
A Celebration of Life for Kim Kaye is being planned for May 2018. More details will be announced at a later date.