Please tell us about your journey to StayWell, what led you to us, where does your story begin?
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"In late 2020, my doctor in Moncton had found a tumour in my airway. After an unsuccessful removal attempt there, I was transferred to Halifax, where the second unsuccessful removal attempt took place. After consulting with numerous other doctors, the best care that could be provided to me at home consisted of a total laryngectomy, which involves removing the vocal cords and rerouting the esophagus and airway. Obviously, as an 18 year old at the time, this was devastating news; the last thing I wanted to lose was my ability to speak. Fortunately, a few months later at the end of 2021, my doctor had the idea of referring me to Dr. Gilbert at Toronto General. Right away he had come up with a different plan that involved invasive surgery, but would let me keep my ability to speak and swallow. After my spring semester was done in 2022, I went to Toronto for my medical care where I stayed for 2 months through 4 surgeries. At the time we didn't know StayWell existed, and the cost of travel and accommodations had a profound impact on my family. Later on when we were coming back for checkups, a family friend had mentioned that your organization might be an option. Now, whenever I need to travel to go to an appointment or surgery, my mom and I know that you'll be ready to help, and will alleviate any stress related to financial troubles."
Where did you have to relocate from? How was the journey from home to Toronto?​
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"I am from Riverview, NB, so the journey to Toronto was a very far one. During the summer of 2022, when I had most of my surgeries, I think me and my mom had travelled back and forth from Toronto and New Brunswick 3 times, each being a 15 hour journey. Even though we fly now, when going to my follow ups, it's still a 2 hour flight each way, and air travel can get quite expensive."
What were the positive aspects of your stay?​
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"The accommodations provided by StayWell were excellent. I didn't feel like I was in a strange hotel room, and the apartment style rooms helped me feel like I was at home. It has been very nice to keep some normalcy that way especially when my medical situation becomes a bit chaotic."
Would you recommend StayWell to other patients in need of access to medical care in Toronto?​
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"Yes."
