Canada shines when personal tragedy strikes

Cancer treatment an example of empathy and compassion in a truly great country

Iwas diagnosed with bladder cancer two months ago. Immediately after the first symptoms, my family doctor referred me to a urologist who scheduled a tumour resection and a followup treatment at the earliest time possible. A whole team of doctors and nurses took great care of my surgery and recovery.

Now, in my bed after the surgery, I am reading about the realities in other parts of the world where people have similar conditions (including some Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries).

The medicine used for this cancer treatment is expensive. Many people in other countries (rich and poor) cannot afford to pay for it, and if their private insurance does not cover cancer treatments, they might need to sell their assets, incur debt or, in many cases, just pray and hope for charity to save their lives.

What gave me a privilege that others in the same situation don’t have? I am part of this vast and diverse community called Canada. Most Canadians believe their country should be organized in a way that would not let anyone die or suffer due to lack of money to pay for most health treatments.

I want to express my gratitude to each Canadian who has supported my treatment, knowing it or not, by paying their taxes and allowing me to have a successful surgery and what seems to be a promising treatment. Thanks to the proportion of your money that every month is paid to the public system, people in my condition don’t have to worry about healthcare expenses. I hope that paying my share also provides what others need when they need it. Isn’t that a pure expression of the essence of compassion and solidarity?

Some people think that a “great country” means a bunch of individuals dispersed in a piece of land, holding the same passport, competing with each other to be happy, let alone to survive. I disagree.

I am convinced that solidarity, empathy, compassion and love are some of the ingredients that make a country a great one. Although Canada still has many challenges to overcome, including a careful process of reconciliation with First Nations and a lesser impact on our biodiversity, there is hope, as long as we believe in the power of solidarity.

If we are soon to celebrate Canada’s birthday, we can refer to this kind of ethos. The values and actions that Canadians could and should follow even more. The values and actions that the world needs and starves for. The ethos of solidarity, diversity, community and compassion.

After all, isn’t that what builds a great society and, in turn, makes a great country?