Pictured (from left to right): Ofelia Hermogeno, Pharmacist Manager; Lane Umpherville, Pharmacy Assistant; Misty Ross, Pharmacy Clerk; Jeannie Sinclair, Pharmacy Clerk; Mariane Tompong, Staff Pharmacist; Kara Muswagon, Pharmacy Clerk; Roxy Flett, Pharmacy Clerk and Kristen Lathlin Ross, Pharmacy Assistant.
The people of Cross Lake, MB came together to “Bear Witness” in support of Jordan’s Principle at the NorthMart Pharmacy last month.
Community members joined the staff on Friday, May 10 to enjoy cupcakes and participate in a prize draw, all in support of Jordan’s Principle. In addition, 20 people were given their own personal blood pressure monitors to help keep track of their health on a daily basis.
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle designed to help First Nations children ensure they have access to all of the services and support they need. The principle was created in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a child from Norway House, MB who was born with multiple disabilities. At a very young age, Jordan was hospitalized in Winnipeg, MB and due to disputes between the federal and provincial government, had to stay in the hospital until he passed away at the age of five.
Joyce Halcrow was one of the many community members who brought a teddy bear to the event on May 10. Joyce has kept the little blue bear for 14 years in remembrance of her grandson who tragically passed away at a very young age. Much like Jordan Anderson, Joyce’s grandson was born with multiple disabilities and never had the chance to return to his home. The bear was a gift she gave her grandson while visiting him in the hospital.
“I didn’t want to leave him. I wanted to bring him home, but I couldn’t,” said Joyce.
The staff of the NorthMart Pharmacy and others in attendance were deeply moved by Joyce’s story.
“Having the event in our store was a chance for Joyce to share her story, cherish the memories that she treasures in her heart in remembrance of her grandson and touch other people’s lives,” said Ofelia Hermogeno, Pharmacist Manager. “Cross Lake is a community with close family ties, and people get together as one whether in crisis or in festivity.”