JOIN WANDA’S STROKE TEAM ON HER PATH TO RECOVERY

I need your help!

2020 was a hard year for most. 2021 continues to be for many. For me, it has been devastating. I lost my son, Michael, in January. My heart is broken. In the spring I started experiencing extreme headaches and jaw pain. In early July it was unbearable. I was a medical mystery. Neither my doctor or dentist could figure out what was causing the symptoms or help with my pain. Later in July I found myself at Campbell River Hospital with bilateral stroke symptoms. Not being able to determine the cause, they sent me to the neurology department at Victoria General Hospital. It was here that my rare condition was diagnosed. A viral infection in the brain stem is now being treated and my route to recovery is being mapped out by the experts.

I have worked in advocacy & support of challenged individuals throughout my life. Empowering people to live vibrant, full lives in their own home and community has been my passion and expertise. As many of you know, Patty has shared my home and life for nearly 3 decades. Being her home care provider is my joy.

I now find myself in a position where I can no longer care for Patty.

My life has taken a turn down a path where I have lost my income. Being a single, self-employed home care provider in BC provided me with no extended health care benefits, employee savings or pension plans.

Medical and unexpected expenses are piling up. I will also be incurring rehab costs: medical equipment, specialized bed, renovations to make my home safe and accessible, therapy and home care.

I am now looking for support from the greater community to help me recover by removing the stress and worry of how I will be able to manage all of this on my own … considering my current financial situation.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help. If you are able, I offer you my thanks. If not, I graciously thank you for your continued prayers, well wishes and recipes for nectar savory drinks.

I look forward to seeing everyone next summer for Michael’s first annual fishing derby.

Love Wanda