HealthPartners Stories

Samantha’s fiancé, Rob, worked with her all day to the point where she was completely exhausted. The very next day, she was able to say the days of the week clearly and properly. Her medical team couldn’t believe the progress she had made in such a short time.

This outcome was unexpected. And while we’ve seen improvement in stroke awareness, care and treatment, about 60% of people in Canada who have had a stroke live with some degree of disability that impacts one or more daily activities.

Crucial research currently being funded by Heart & Stroke could help move the dial. Dr.  Yu Tian Wang, a neuroscientist at the University of British Columbia, is currently developing medication that could help protect brain cells from damage, even when treatment is as delayed as Samantha’s case.

In the end, it took nearly a month for Samantha to recover almost completely. Now she is 28 and married to Rob, and you would never know she had a stroke.

“Before I had my stroke, I thought only older people could get them. I had no idea that I was even able to have one. I didn't know the importance of recognizing the signs early and how crucial it is to react quickly. My stroke was a very rude awakening to all this.”

Thankfully, still today, she can always count on her family to be by her side. “I have an amazing support system,” Samantha says.

Heart & Stroke, a HealthPartners charity member, is dedicated to reducing the incidence of disability and death resulting from heart disease and stroke. Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. Heart and Stroke works to reduce this number through research, education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Only 4% of the 4,200 Canadians with CF have the same genetic mutation as Kaiden. However, a new drug called Trikafta has just been approved by Health Canada that can treat up to 90% of Canadians with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is dedicated to finding a cure or control for cystic fibrosis (CF). In the 1960s, most children with cystic fibrosis did not live long enough to attend kindergarten; today, half of all Canadians with CF are expected to live into their 40s and beyond.

“I wasn’t receiving the medical care that I desperately needed. The neurologists didn’t believe me and accused me of being a drug addict,” Manon said.

Manon refers to the years before diagnosis as the worst of her entire life as she had no idea what was happening and why. Nor did the doctors. Her physical state was deteriorating, and she had to stop her translation studies.

“In the fall of 2011, I had the opportunity to go at the Movement Disorder Clinic at the Montréal Neurological Institute,” she adds, and that is where she met with Dr. Ron Postuma. A family member referred her and after a long consultation and detailed examination, she finally heard the words, “You have young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).”

Manon was stunned and at the time, knew very little about Parkinson’s and expected that it was a geriatric disease, not something a 27-year-old would have.

Dr. Postuma was the only neurologist who was able to unravel her medical mystery. An MRI and blood tests ruled out other causes. She was put on levodopa and her symptoms lessened.

“I am very grateful towards Dr. Postuma—he saved my life. After my diagnosis, I had to adapt to a new reality. Because of YOPD, I choose not to conceive children. I focus on my health and well-being. I exercise daily and have a nutritious diet,” says Manon.

At the Montreal Neurological Institute, she had access to a multidisciplinary team, which helped her to manage Parkinson’s well. A life-altering diagnosis such as Parkinson’s changed her life plans, but she has accepted it. 

Despite a pronounced stutter, Manon attends Parkinson Canada events and seminars in Montreal, which gives her the opportunity to meet other people with Parkinson’s. Connecting with fellow patients of all ages, helps her to cope better with the disease.

Parkinson Canada, through 10 regional partners and 240 chapters and support groups, provides education, support, advocacy on behalf of over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s. Funding innovative research helps expand knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s and will ultimately lead to a cure.

So far, his cancer remains in remission.

Charles feels blessed not only to remain in remission, but for the support he received from his local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. “I wanted to learn everything I could about my cancer. The information and materials the chapter provided to me were invaluable, not to mention the support provided to my family.”

Now retired, Charles volunteers for the Society, helping to spread the message and provide support to others. “Cancer was once a death sentence, but early detection and treatment means many people can live a long, productive life,” he says.

All diseases and chronic illnesses benefit from early diagnosis and prevention—and that’s why he is a strong advocate for HealthPartners and its 16 member charities.

The Canadian Cancer Society, a HealthPartners charity member, is a community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and enhancing the quality of life of people living with cancer. The Society funds medical research, patient services and public education. One in four Canadians will die of cancer according to 2013 statistics.

Dr. Mark Freedman was also one of the lead investigators of the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) trial, an option for people with an early, aggressive form of multiple sclerosis, and she was a candidate. Jennifer doesn’t sugar coat the next three years of her life. “It was hell,” she says. “At one point I was taking 129 pills a day. One year after the trial ended, Jennifer began to see improvements.

“First I was able to walk without a cane. Then I  could get through the day without a nap. Then I could make plans with my friends without needing to cancel.” By 2006, she had regained complete ability. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada provides services to the estimated 100,000 Canadians who have MS and their families. It funds medical research into the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for MS.”