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Early this year, we shared the story of how Marianne Canada's career took her from bartender to host of HGTV's Weekday Crafternoon. Last week, in a whirlwind series of doctor's appointments, her infant son was diagnosed with a rare tumor. He started chemotherapy on Tuesday.
Chemo is scary but chemo is awesome. Buddy gets started this afternoon. Snoozing now. #goHugo http://t.co/v4tcp4LIA7
— Marianne Canada (@mariannecanada) June 17, 2014Within hours, Canada's friends began an email thread brainstorming ways to support Hugo and his family. A donation page was set up, and friends divided themselves into teams to organize care packages and meals. In less than a week's time, friends and coworkers have raised over $27,000 toward Hugo's medical expenses.
Supporting a friend in need
Over the past few days, Hugo's supporters have shown that online friends are real friends — and that they can be really resourceful. On a recent evening full of anxiety and fear, Canada tweeted that she was craving cheesecake. An hour later, a cheesecake delivery showed up at the hospital. Though Canada has only asked for prayers and hope for her baby, her friends — many of them mothers — have mobilized to do whatever they can to help the family through this difficult time.
#GoHugo
As the story of Hugo's fight has spread, the hashtag #gohugo has begun to go viral on Twitter and Instagram. Dozens of photos and notes have been shared by friends and celebrities cheering Hugo on. At a time when hope is essential, these simple gestures of faith have brought comfort to the Canada family.
Sending lots of love and strength to Hugo and his family! #GoHugo pic.twitter.com/OMa0puWqpH
— david bromstad (@bromco) June 17, 2014Sending love & light to 1-year old Hugo starting chemo today. Keep fighting, little buddy! #GoHugo @mariannecanada pic.twitter.com/s9hzX0hnAz
— Andrea Barber (@andreabarber) June 17, 2014Nerds say #gohugo pic.twitter.com/eFgXeSMGbG
— Diane (@dashoff) June 15, 2014I'm speechless. #goHugo http://t.co/r0O64bN2HM
— Marianne Canada (@mariannecanada) June 18, 2014@mariannecanada Supporting #GoHugo from the @wbir Weather Center! pic.twitter.com/oTu3mPCmZL
— WBIR Weather (@WBIRWeather) June 18, 2014#GoHugo We're pulling for you buddy. Keep fightin! pic.twitter.com/kM3yZHsCG3
— Anthony Carrino (@CarrinoAnthony) June 16, 2014More on friendships
Breaking your pregnancy news to a friend with infertility
Balance between being a mom and a friend
Playdates for moms: How to make other "new mom" friends