In 2023, Vanessa Cava and Abbey Hunter organized the Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario. These two lupus warriors wanted to raise awareness and were committed to raising funds to support those living with lupus in their community. Their dedication allowed them to raise over $20,000 for Thunder Bay. Since that time Lupus Ontario has been working with St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay to develop a plan to support the Rheumatic Diseases Program.
The Rheumatic Diseases Program triages over 600 referrals a year to rheumatology services and other programs in the community to support people living with rheumatic diseases.
Lupus Ontario is proud to announce that we will be funding Kathleen Andrews, a staff member of St. Joseph’s Care Group to pursue her certification as an Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC). This will enhance support for the Rheumatic Diseases program.
Kathleen has been working as an Occupational Therapist for the past 22 years in Thunder Bay (with a 1-year stint in Edmonton in the Arthroplasty program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital). She has an active interest in arthritis since volunteering within the Rheumatic Diseases Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group as a university student. The rewarding experience of volunteering within that environment played a key role in her decision to become an Occupational Therapist. Kathleen graduated from McMaster University in 2002 and has gained experience in various areas of Occupational Therapy, including within the Rheumatic Diseases Program. Currently, Kathleen works in outpatient orthopedics and with older adults in the geriatric assessment program.
“Having been born, raised, and working the vast majority of my career in Thunder Bay, I have been able to garner firsthand experience in the unique challenges we face in Northwestern Ontario with respect to access to rheumatological care for our clients. A lack of specialists, coupled with a vast geographical area makes access to care at times very difficult for our clients. I feel strongly about the need for equitable and efficient access to care for our clients and I look forward to being a part of the solution to the challenges they face. I am honoured to be receiving a funding grant through Lupus Ontario to be able to partake in this education and continue to serve our clients to the best of my ability.”
– Kathleen Andrews
Kathleen – We wish you all the best in your studies and as you move forward in your new role!
Special thanks to Vanessa Cava, Abbey Hunter, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Tbaytel, RBC and the many donors who supported the 2023 Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario.