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STORIES

Shannon's Story

Please tell us about your journey to StayWell, what led you to us, where does your story begin?

 

"In 2022 I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Australia. Because of a genetic condition and other reasons, we were not accepted for a Lung Transplant in Australia even though I was told I was a good candidate. This caused our Respirologist in Australia to reach out to the Toronto General Hospital Lung Transplant team who had the expertise and who agreed to look at our case. The team in Canada was able to offer us the opportunity to be assessed as a candidate for the transplant. This meant we would need to relocate and find the funding for the treatment, understandably, as we are not citizens of Canada."

Where did you have to relocate from? How was the journey from home to Toronto?​

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"On December 25th, 2023, we relocated to Toronto from our home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland where the weather was very warm to find ourselves in snow!! It was quite the change. The journey was by plane obviously but quite stressful as my oxygen requirements had to be accommodated through Air Canada."

What were the things you found difficult? How did StayWell help?​

 

"We had accommodations through a friend for the first month, but we had to find something that was close to the hospital when we finally got listed. As we were paying for treatment ourselves, accommodation was something that was going to be a big cost. StayWell helped us with this by providing the opportunity of a discount which we are very grateful for. We also had to find something that would accommodate our 3 adult children as well.  Not knowing the city and how we could get around without a car, we knew we needed to be able to walk for groceries and easy access to public transport. We also needed somewhere with the ease to be able to have a wheelchair, oxygen concentrators, and liquid oxygen, which can take up a lot of room. Staywell offered us a whole range of accommodations which we could have taken. We did have a specific time frame we needed so the apartment we took was one that was available for the date that we required. It was big enough to cover all the above needs."

What were the positive aspects of your stay?​

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"We love the apartment. The view that we had was amazing. We love how easy it was to pick up the keys, and to pay the account each month. We also were impressed by how neat and clean it is with everything in it to make it feel like a home away from home. The complex also had a gym, which has been vital in our process for me being accepted for a lung transplant. The location is in a very safe area with access to lots of the things we need daily. We have enjoyed our stay here it as it has made a massive difference during a very difficult time."

Would you recommend StayWell to other patients in need of access to medical care in Toronto?​

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"Yes."

Canadian Patients Are Eligible For Tax Credits

Patients with “low incomes and high medical expenses” are eligible for a non-refundable tax credit that can reduce the tax amount that patients have to pay at the end of the year.

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