A Tseshaht elder is suffering less pain thanks to a power lift chair donated to her by the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation.
Euphrasia Dick suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, causing pain and limiting her mobility. Her husband Alfred has his own health issues and gets visits from Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council nurses to check in on him.
According to Alfred, nurse Laurie Sinclair came for a visit about six months back and he talked to her about his concern for his wife’s comfort and mobility.
Euphrasia “was sleeping on the couch and she’s in pain no matter which way she sleeps,” he said.
“I feel pain in my shoulders and my legs and there’s nothing I can do about it but take (strong pain medication),” said Euphrasia.
On Sept. 12 a delivery truck from Motion Specialties in Nanaimo arrived at the Dick home. They dropped off a brand new navy blue power lift chair donated by the Dreamcatcher Foundation.
“Most of the work came from my husband,” said Euphrasia, adding that he did a very good job. The couple first approached BCANDS (British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society) for assistance in getting a much-needed medical chair. Staff at BCANDS assisted with the application process.
The couple said the chair was very high quality, worth more than $1,700 and beyond their means to purchase on their own.
“This chair will help me quite a bit and we thank the Dreamcatcher Foundation and BCANDS so much,” said a very happy Euphrasia.
