Help Tamara Brewster Heal

On May 27, 2021, my friend Tamara Brewster suffered a life-changing workplace injury.

I’ve personally known Tamara for 35 years, since we were in junior high in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was and still is, a fearless friend to anyone who didn’t fit into the regular mold. Anyone who knows her knows how unbelievably strong and resilient she is; physically, mentally, and spiritually. She is a beacon of positivity and empathy for everyone around her. You can't help but fall in love with her passion for life and living her truth.

For her, though, this last year has been one of slowly and maddeningly falling through the cracks, unbelievable physical agony, debilitating stress, and financial hardship.

The accident and injuries:

While loading a film truck with filthy Duradeck, a heavy duty composite sheet material, about 1500lbs of it tipped over and fell on top of Tamara, badly injuring her chest and lower legs, and breaking her left wrist.

Improper hospital care of her extensive wounds lead to severe subcutaneous infections, and she was put on intravenous antibiotics for several weeks. After almost losing her left leg from the infections, Tamara had to continue antibiotic treatment for months afterwards.

The failure of the system:

Now, almost a year later, her wounds have finally fully closed. However, she still has persistent infections inside her chest, with no prescribed course of treatment for her ongoing injuries, and no official financial assistance.

WorkSafeBC has not accepted her requests for disability support, claiming there was a lack of medical proof for her injuries. Due to the initial misdiagnosis and lack of care, as well as being in the very common situation in Vancouver of not having a family doctor, Tamara has had to fight for months for any formal acknowledgment of the severity of her injuries.

Rebuilding her body and life:

This last year has devastated Tamara's life. Unable to work, and without any financial support, she has had to continually downsize and cut almost everything from her life. With no health benefits and no support from WCB, she also cannot afford to rehabilitate herself physically.

Without a car or a phone, it has been difficult to secure work, but she is at last finally healthy enough to work again regularly.

The assistance:

We are asking for $5,000 to cover Tamara’s back rent and utilities, motorcycle insurance, storage, and ongoing medical expenses while she gets back into the job market, and back to being the magnificent shining light that she truly is.

If you have met Tamara, you know she would do anything to help someone in need. Now, it's her who needs the help from all of us who know her.

If you prefer to send funds directly, you can also contact Tamara directly through this page.

Thank you so much for your support of Tamara and the help in ending this incredibly challenging period in her life.