I hold the team at the Montreal General Hospital very close to my heart as they saved and took care of my mom for nearly 3 months.

My mother fought hard for her life after being severely affected by COVID-19 in April 2021. She was unfortunately under the eligible age in the first rounds of vaccinations and caught a strain that hospitalized her. After 6 weeks of being intubated, she required a tracheotomy, she also a hematoma that led to nerve damage on her spinal cord, and she now has limited mobility. 

She then spent a month in rehab and came home in August. This entire process was one of the most difficult experiences my family and I had to endure. My mother is still adjusting to life after COVID-19, given the traumatic events she went through. 

This event impacted me in a way that is very difficult to explain, I was unable to show up for myself or the people around me, but as women we are so strong and even when our batteries are depleted, we somehow still manage to make it through. 

Raising awareness around mental health is very important for me, and especially for women as we are often the backbone of the family.

During this process, I also got to know our healthcare system. The nurses, doctors, therapists, specialists, social workers, family liaisons, and everyone else at MGH are doing their best, and were so supportive throughout this whole process