Kim B.’s Story

My name is Kim B. and I live in Kamloops, B.C.

My husband was diagnosed with cancer in July 2013 and started receiving treatment in Kelowna shortly after. 

The travel to and from Kelowna was difficult because of the winter months. I felt it was necessary because my husband was so far away and you can only give so much emotional support over the phone. In order to give him some comfort I had to drive to bring him home for at least a couple days. I couldn’t just have him in there without any support from anyone.

I would take Fridays off and work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, usually about 12 hour days because I couldn't afford to take the time off.

A lot of the individuals that my husband was with in Kelowna could have had support in Kamloops, had there been something here.

Fortunately enough, my husband and I’s situation gave us the opportunity for me to do what I did. I did have the ability to adjust my hours at work. I did have the ability to go drive him to Kelowna and back. It was extremely trying and it was extremely exhausting. But I think of other people who don't have that, and don't have the ability to go and support their loved ones.

When you are the support person and having to travel to Kelwona just to have some contact and provide emotional support, that is a struggle on you as a caregiver as well. You don’t want to reach out to people to have them assist you because it is so far. If it had been closer, I could have had some more support from the people and support networks I have in Kamloops. 

The Kamloops Cancer Centre would alleviate so much pressure on the other hospitals in the province having to deal with all of this. Treatment can happen sooner, services can happen faster and consultations can happen much closer to home.

- Kim B., Kamloops Resident and Caregiver