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Deanne was diagnosed with hodgkin’s disease, a cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue, in June 2003. She was 26 years old. What followed was a trying three-year regimen of appointments, check-ups and chemotherapy sessions, all of which required her to make the long trip from Labrador City to St. John’s. Through it all, Deanne remained steadfastly optimistic. Her motto: “I have to keep living; I haven’t found the perfect shade of purple nail polish yet!” But underneath the cheerful outlook, the emotional and financial stress took its toll on Deanne’s close-knit family.
Deanne estimates that she spent $5,000 out-of-pocket to access the services that were only available hundreds of miles away from her home. She was unable to work during her illness, and had no medical insurance. She had to rely on her parents for some financial help and Health and Community Services eased another part of the burden. But the airfare, taxi fees and grocery bills continued to add up. Today, Deanne continues to fly to the city once a year for a check-up. She tries to work that trip into her annual vacation time so she doesn’t have to put her job on hold yet again.
Through it all, Deanne worries most about the effect her cancer had on her number one caregiver, her Mom. Having a place to find information and support “would have been very beneficial,” she says. “It would have meant someone to talk to, for both me and Mom. Sometimes it’s the patient that helps the caregiver get through it. Daffodil Place will provide a good support network for everyone.”
