“Two women with complex health-care needs are getting loud with their calls to fix a broken health-care system.” Now only 1 woman remains
In January 2022 my heart sank and my brain filled with worry. I had just read on-line that I was losing my Family Doctor and I feared how my vulnerable children and I would get the care and support we needed without a Family Doctor. At the same time another young mother was fighting for her life to beat a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Cancer that they suspected had been growing in her for the last 2 years, but without a primary care provider it had gone unrecognized and misdiagnosed. We were two mothers who feared for our own well-being and the well-being of our children. We connected on my Facebook group BC Health Care Matters and we quickly saw the passion within one another. We had the will to speak up and be part of the change we needed to see happen.
One afternoon I arrived at her door and she greeted me with an infectious glowing smile, a perfect smile to match the name, Joy. As I helped her arrange her living room in preparation for a CTV interview, I noted in amazement how this woman was in the worst moment of her life but so committed to giving what she could if it might help her and others. It was admirable. This interview was the first her and I had each ever done and it was appropriately introduced as, “Two women with complex health-care needs are getting loud with their calls to fix a broken health-care system.” Joy went on to volunteer with us at BCHCM throughout 2022.
Joy Williamson finished her cancer treatment mid 2022. She rejoiced in the moment she rang the bell at the BC Cancer Centre. She made plans for the next stage of her life with her family, and her 2 young children. But the hopefulness ended far too soon. Months later Joy began to have issues that once again were not appropriately understood or assessed. After half a year of deteriorating health she finally got imaging in May 2023. It once again hit her with a blow that would knock the breath out of anyone. She now had tumors in her brain and abdomen. On July 10th 2023 Joy passed away surrounded by her family.
While Joy lay in her full-time residence at the Jubilee Hospital in June, she would send me messages of encouragement while I ran for MLA. She would share my posts and tell everyone they needed an advocate like me representing them, helping them. Last week she sent me a message saying she was happy my pacemaker replacement surgery went well. She was naturally thoughtful and caring that way. Joy was in a great deal of pain and yet she would find the strength to stay in touch, to encourage others to advocate, to do interviews. I admired her resilience, her ability to give and expect nothing in return, her passion to stay positive, her Joy.
We were mothers who had experienced the fragility of life and bonded over our wish for a better tomorrow. Joy Williamson will always hold a special place in my heart. She was the first to step forward with me and demand better for everyone. She will never be forgotten.
When we last spoke on the phone Joy and I discussed how the collapsing healthcare system played a role in her late diagnosis, not once but twice. I do not think I can change the whole system but I sure as hell don’t have blinders on either. If you choose to do nothing then don't expect a better outcome, or for the system to be there when you need it. This is the second BCHCM volunteer that has died this year. I am livid, I am heart broken, I am sick and tired of loosing people around me. Aren’t you?!
- Camille Currie, Founder and President of BCHCM
Read more about Joy’s story here -
https://www.gofundme.com/f/joys-cancer-journey
https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/greater-victoria-women...
https://www.vicnews.com/.../langford-cancer-patient-fears...