The CBC’s Trailbreaker with Shannon Scott is hosting a live broadcast from Edmonton today on CBC Radio One from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. MT. Monday’s program focuses on individuals who have had to travel for medical treatment and those who assist them during that time. This article provides a glimpse into some of these experiences.
More than a year has passed since Meghan Ipana moved to Edmonton to support her daughter, Lillian, who was hospitalized, but she still finds it challenging to be away from her home in Inuvik, N.W.T. Initially, it was just Meghan and her infant daughter in Edmonton, separated from her husband and two older daughters.
Lillian was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver condition in newborns where bile ducts are obstructed, leading to liver damage. Although Lillian underwent a liver transplant last year, she remains too fragile to return home. Meghan expresses missing her family, the tranquility of her hometown, and her work as a nurse.
The bustling city environment in Edmonton is overwhelming for Meghan and not the life she envisioned for herself and her children, giving her a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients from the North seeking medical care.
Similarly, James Howard from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, had to leave his home of over two decades after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. This condition necessitates round-the-clock care, preventing him from returning to his hometown due to the lack of suitable support.
Howard shares his struggle of having to choose between his daughter and partner as his escort while receiving treatment in Edmonton. He emphasizes the financial strain and difficult decisions his loved ones face in managing his care.
Both Meghan and James find solace in Goba Care, a non-profit organization founded by Melinda Laboucan in Edmonton in 2021. Goba Care provides free support, advocacy, and cultural connections to Northern patients receiving medical treatment in Edmonton. Laboucan’s compassionate assistance has been a source of comfort for many, offering practical help and emotional support during challenging times.
Goba Care has assisted over 1,800 residents from the N.W.T. and Nunavut, offering support at various touchpoints like airports, hospitals, and hotels, aiding with financial matters and daily necessities. Laboucan acknowledges the sacrifices made by families and individuals to be present during medical treatment, highlighting the importance of simple gestures like traditional food to provide comfort in difficult times.