Ami Foster, a registered practical nurse from Orillia who works at Trillium Manor and volunteers for St. John Ambulance, has been doggedly pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
But that dream has been put on the backburner due to a “severe and aggressive form” of a rare disease that has abruptly taken away her eyesight.
The 29-year-old had been experiencing a variety of symptoms since March as she continued her university studies at McMaster University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour.
In fact, since September, Foster had been travelling back and forth between Alberta and Ontario working for the Alberta Healthcare Services and Trillium Manor in Orillia.
Suddenly, in mid July, Foster was hospitalized in Calgary with still undiagnosed symptoms. Within 72 hours of hospitalization, she lost her sight completely in her left eye and has extremely limited vision in her right eye.
The loss of her eyesight and other symptoms turned out to be the result of a severe and aggressive form of vasculitis, which requires constant and continuous medical care and medication.
According to the Mayo Clinic, vasculitis involves inflammation of the blood vessels.
“The inflammation can cause the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, which reduces the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, it can result in organ and tissue damage,” notes the website.
Foster is hoping to return to Ontario later this week for further treatment and to be closer to family.
“Now with Ami’s inability to work or drive due to her vision loss, her student debt, medical expenses and travel expenses have been very financially difficult ... not to mention the unforeseen expenses of upcoming medical procedures and the costs of moving and getting her settled into a new life with visual impairment,” notes a GoFundMe account set up to support her and her family
Foster’s dad took time off work and flew out to Calgary to be with her during the ordeal, adding more financial strain.
“Ami and her family appreciate any help you feel you can give and thank you for your support,” noted the fundraiser set up on her behalf.
For more information or to donate, click here.
