Shawna Forester Smith never wanted to exist just to suffer.
Struck down with gastroparesis and pseudo-obstruction in 2009, myriad health issues have plagued the 42-year-old former health worker since then.
She’s been able to peer through the pain even though she’s bedridden, fed intravenously, on oxygen and has a catheter, all while requiring around-the-clock care.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS
Sen. Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler presents Free Press columnist Shawna Forester Smith with the King Charles Coronation Medal from the Gov.-Gen. of Canada at Deer Lodge Centre Thursday. Shawna was chosen for her 15 years of advocacy work in health care, including her most recent efforts of documenting the state of health care from her bed at Deer Lodge where she’s a resident on a chronic-care unit.
She’s seen hope and lived it, too, as she aims to instill the same in others who have chronic illnesses.
On Thursday, her 15 years of advocacy was recognized when she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which is given to Canadians who have made significant contributions to the country or their community.
Forester Smith doesn’t view herself as a hero but admitted it’s nice to be recognized.
“I just want to do good and want some meaning to come out of all of the bad things that have happened and all of the struggles that I have had,” she said at Deer Lodge Centre, where she’s a resident on a chronic-care unit.
“My life is incredibly hard. I go through a lot. I’ve been through a lot. If my existence was just suffering, and no purpose or meaning was coming out of it, there would be no point to my existence. It would be just existing to suffer.”
Forester Smith said, in her biweekly column in the Free Press, she has helped people navigate the world of chronic illness and has reached patients worldwide.
Spurred on by a principle from the Judaic tradition that states that to save another’s life is to save the world, she’s been able to offer hope to others, including a fellow patient who decided against choosing medical assistance in dying.
“That, at times, is more satisfying than the big system changes,” she said.
Her work has helped usher in patient safety reforms, halted staff reductions, and highlighted concerns in emergency rooms.
“She’s raised awareness around chronic care,” said Arle Jones, chief operating officer at Deer Lodge. “She aligns with the messaging we want to get out there. She’s advocating for change. And within (the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority), patient and resident experience is No. 1 to us.”
Forester Smith, who holds a master’s degree in health leadership, spent years working in the head office of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority before she became ill.
She said she is fortunate to understand the health system and have an education. Her struggles with chronic illness give her a perspective and her distinctive voice.
“I don’t take that for granted,” she said. “That’s a huge privilege. And with that privilege is a huge responsibility to use it, to do good. That’s what I try to do. I don’t want to ever take that for granted.”
Ruth Livingston said Forester Smith is the bravest person she has ever met.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS
Struck down with gastroparesis and pseudo-obstruction in 2009, health issues have plagued the 42-year-old former health worker since then. Shawna Forester Smith is bedridden, fed intravenously, on oxygen and has a catheter, all while requiring around-the-clock care.
The co-president at Temple Shalom, Livingston met Forester Smith in 2011. The two became close, sharing their mutual love of art.
They still meet weekly, something Livingston cherishes.
“In spite of ever-increasing disability and agonizing pain, she made the decision to live to the best of her ability and to keep fighting for what she needs and what others do,” Livingston told a room full of friends, family and others whose lives Forester Smith has touched.
Livingston said her Free Press columns have helped to educate the community from a deeply intimate perspective.
“She does it without blame, without a hint of whining, and I’ll assure you she would be well within her rights to complain,” Livingston said. “Instead, she has a knack for being kind, positive and hopeful.
“Her column has had a huge impact on the people in our community … and it has sparked conversations on the condition of health care, as well as some letters to the health minister and premier.”
Winnipeg Sen. Gigi Osler, an internationally renowned surgeon who is an advocate on health issues, presented the medal to Forester Smith.
“She’s one of those individuals that stick with you, in terms of her passion and her advocacy,” Osler said.
Osler said Forester Smith has been able to effect change because she is authentic.
“It comes from who she is as an individual, her intelligence, her understanding of how health care is administered and delivered in the province, and how she experiences it as a patient living in chronic care,” Osler said. “I’ve yet to come across somebody who writes with that lens and with that authenticity. It’s very inspiring.”
scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca
Scott Billeck
Reporter
Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott.
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