Almonte, here we come!

It is with GREAT pleasure that I’m able to share the news that we have FOUND a house! One where the kids can have their own rooms (and at 9 and 7, that’s a huge deal). We have a much larger yard (with a pool) and more family-friendly outside spaces to play and gather with friends. Speaking of gathering with friends, the basement has a pool table and bar! It’s accessible for people like me (physically disabled) and will certainly be our forever home.

We are leaving Ottawa and moving to Almonte over the next few weeks. Close friends who want to help us with the move or unpacking (or christening of the pool/bar/whatever), please get in touch with either Ryan or myself. Any help would be very appreciated!

This process has been very mentally draining and all consuming (and financially nightmarish)! I am so relieved to finally have a little slice of home (the valley) while still being very close to the place I’ve called home (Ottawa) for the last two decades.

10 Days Left in hintonburg, ottawa

We have sold our house in Hintonburg and are looking to move a bit further west of downtown. We have to be out in 10 days (!!!) and have yet to find a home. Just a bit stressful… looking for a four bedroom (or 3+ den or similar), an oversized garage that has an accessible main level.

Working within our budget has proven difficult although it feels almost like more of a ‘timing’ thing; we’ve bid and lost on two houses now (Kanata and Stittsville) and I’m definitely not handling the situation very well. It has been draining in many ways.

Here’s hoping I have a more positive update soon!

I wrote this blog to address the ‘flyers’ situation in the Fairwinds (Huntmar/near the CTC) neighbourhood: they are real. My husband handed them out in an effort to find our dream home. Looks like we’ll be moving out of Ottawa indefinitely. Hoping to be back in time for the kids to start school.

We are working with a (new) realtor. We are hoping to stay under $850k. We are looking to be west-of-Ottawa or in the far west end.

If you see a place that might work for us, please be in touch!

Amy’s Birthday Wish: 2024 edition

When you're young, it's tough having to miss out on parties, school events, holiday gatherings with friends and family because you're sick. I do have fond memories from 5 West thanks to the wonderful DISTRACTIONS that came in the form of sticker books, arts & crafts, board games, movies, toys, blankets and more.

Leaving your hospital bed for the playroom, or having people bring toys and games to you on days when you can't move really allows you to 'feel like a kid'. It's a magical feeling; one that helps remind us that smiling and laughing is good for the soul!

I'm turning 38 on April 25th, and just like every year since launching this birthday campaign, I'm dreaming BIG and asking you to celebrate with me by creating magical moments for CHEO Kids.

100% of your financial donation is going to CHEO's Child Life Department. They will buy the toys, craft kits and other entertainment goods and hand them over to children receiving in-patient treatment at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

CTV News Story on CHEO’s Child Life program.

Thank you in advance for all that you do to bring sunshine to those living in darkness.

It’s Ontario Budget Day - some thoughts from my physically disabled self.

I've been gainfully employed, for the most part, since I could legally have a job. I have also been a recipient of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) which really helped me leading up to and during my college years (full time student + intern + worked 2 p/t jobs: the college + the ottawa police).
I have been working full time in my field (radio) since college. ODSP stops when you no longer 'need' it. While earning with part time work, your financial subsidy is heavily reduced which was never my issue. I was earning money, why should Ontarians continue giving me theirs through ODSP when I am able to work? What came in CLUTCH, however, was the drug coverage as the meds I take cost around $2k per month. The drugs I take make it so I can walk and maintain bodily autonomy.

Post college (2011), I started working in my field (radio) straight away and haven’t looked back. When you start a full time career, you typically exit the ODSP support system. Now I’m summarizing here and can only share my personal experience; this is not a one-size-fits-all situation and I want you to keep that in mind. While employed full time I’ve been covered through private insurance and yeah…. sometimes I’ve had to ‘jump through hoops’ with my medical team to keep the drug coverage going (prior-auth. approvals, tests, failing other meds), but it’s been critical to my success as a working Ontarian who contributes to this great province of ours. I pay taxes (lots and lots of taxes). I help my community. I believe in this country and have hope for a brighter future, so please don’t misconstrue my intentions as ‘whining’. I am simply hoping to convey a bigger picture.

This fall my private insurance company will no longer cover my medicine. Medicine I was a ‘child test patient’ for at CHEO many, many years ago. I’ve been on Enbrel for 22 years. Medicine that has been keeping me pain-free. Mobile. Able bodied (enough) to contribute in a meaningful way to our province. This medicine is being shelved in favour of less-costly bio-similars (which are NOT the same. They are ‘similar’ and when you have a disease like mine, the disease literally attacks anything ‘new’ that is introduced to the body - so this is not to be glossed over and, tbh, I really hate the wording able bodied people use to make it seem like switching meds is ‘no big deal’).

So why, with private insurance, am I being forced off the medicine that allows me to walk? Because all Ontarians (all Canadians, as this is happening coast to coast) are being forced off of these meds to save money. The government/rule makers cannot say ‘drugs for some’ (with pvt ins) while screwing over ODSP recipients who are not able to be gainfully employed due to disability.

Long story short: I’ve been working full time since 2011. I’ve been financially contributing to the province. I want to continue to do that. When I am no longer able to move due to my disease, what happens? Will I lose my job? Will I re-enter the ODSP system? This is a question many of us are grappling with as our drug coverage is ripped out from under us.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for supporting people like me.

I have hope for the future, thought it’s a little scary sometimes.

March Break

Hello,

If anyone needs me, I’ll be at the lake. Hoping to get in some public skating, hiking at Algonquin & maybe even (finally) show the kids the Petawawa Gorges.

I’ve also got a new book to read and am hoping for some quality rest & relaxation by the fire.

When the weather is mild, maybe a bonfire? Nerf battle? A run through the woods? Anything goes.

Until Saturday, I’ll be in my happy place.

TTFN,

Amy

PS: You can rent my cottage for $1,450.00 per week. Available in June & September this season and next.