My Story
When I was 4 years old, I began losing my hearing to meningitis. This gradually worsened until age 16 when I became profoundly deaf.
At the time, Canada was not implanting people under 18. However, my mother, the Director of Nursing at the Sturgeon General Hospital in St. Albert knew her way around the Alberta health care system, and how to advocate effectively. She researched and called the Health Minister, our MLA, my audiologist and my ENT surgeon almost every day, asking the right questions, explaining that I needed this surgery to continue to thrive.
Six months later, I had the cochlear implant that allowed me to hear again.
This was the beginning of a life that showed me, at almost every turn, the power of respectful medical advocacy, and what perseverance can accomplish.
After high school, I became a clinical dental hygienist. With my warm, caring personality, attention to detail and excellent listening skills, my passion for patient-centered care evolved. In this work, I was able to hone my greatest strengths: ensuring patients feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered to achieve the most positive outcome possible, and to speak up for those unable to do so for themselves.
In 2001-2, and again in 2009-10, I supported two loved ones through cancer treatment, and then palliative care. These heartbreaking experiences made clear to me the importance of Advance Care Planning, and how having medical orders and end-of-life directives in place greatly lessens the burden on caregivers and those grieving.
In 2000, my medical journey with infertility began. This was a long, complicated, and very emotional process. I ended up requiring in vitro fertilization and egg donation to have my children. In 2005, I became the lead facilitator for the Infertility Support Group out of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and held that role for the next 11 years. Here again, I was able to use all I’d learned about medical advocacy to help others navigate their own infertility, explore adoption, and offer emotional support.
After 30 years in dental care, I was plagued with chronic back and neck pain. Having received my insurance license in 2021, I knew I was entitled to financial support while seeking rehabilitation. However, my disability insurance company put up a 2 year fight, which I valiantly battled with the support of various resources. In the end I won - and was now able to add “disability claim experience” to my growing toolkit of advocacy skills, further cementing my desire to help those who struggle to access what they need just as I had.
In 2022, I discovered an emergent occupation in Alberta called “patient advocacy”. Intrigued, I reached out to Open Arms Patient Advocacy in Calgary, who invited me to join their team. As I served more and more clients, I knew I had found my passion.
Simultaneously, I co-founded a professional organizing business called GetOrderly.ca, assisting seniors with downsizing and moves to safer, more manageable accommodations. Physical limitations, cognitive challenges and illness can make complex projects feel nearly impossible, so in this business, it has been my honour to help others with the details of these transitions and provide emotional support along the way.
With gratitude, I can see now that the many medical challenges I’ve encountered in my life thus far have undeniably led me to this fulfilling career path as Patient Advocate.
For me, this work is a labour of love. My aunt, who suffers from moderate dementia, once put it perfectly to me - "Life is not ideal right now, but you have helped me make the most of the situation that I am in. I know I am going to be okay, and I am so grateful to have you."
If you’d like to find out how I can help you or a loved one, please reach out today.
Much love,
Corinne
