EXCELLENT HEALTH CARE A

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Having celebrated her 80th birthday in August 2021, Dr. Claudia Strehlke reflected on her life since 2013 when the award was established by her family and colleagues, as a way to honor her upon her retirement.

There are so many in Northwestern Alberta and British Columbia who have been touched by the compassionate and detailed care they received from Dr. Strehlke in her 42 years of practice. She was the first Internist in Grande Prairie and worked as the only specialist in Internal Medicine for 12 years. Dr. Strehlke shares, “This was a lot of responsibility, but I grew into that responsibility. I had lots of support through my classmates and colleagues in Edmonton, having studied medicine at the University of Alberta. I always tried to do as much as I could in Grande Prairie to avoid having my patients and their families travel to Edmonton.”

As a consultant, Dr. Strehlke saw many patients with many different health issues. “I learned how to treat as much as I could - including all types of cancer. The Cross Cancer Institute was looking for someone to start a clinic - the idea was to decentralize the care - and I volunteered to head up the program. I had set up the ICU and been in practice for several years, so this was a new challenge for me. I went to the Cross Cancer Institute for training. I was motivated to develop my capabilities in a new direction. It was a great benefit to the community because we could do the care closer to home. As the physician leading the clinic, I worked hard to create a strong, close-knit team that would look after patients and look after each other. It was a clinic that was very giving, but also took a lot out of us to care for patients, so we made sure to create an environment that was nurturing. I still keep in touch with many of the staff I worked with at the clinic, and there is a deep bond and connection for the work we did together.”

Retiring and leaving Grande Prairie was not easy, shares Dr. Strehlke, as it involved letting go of so much. “Giving up my career, my practice, helping patients, using my skill and talent to be of service to others. Although I recognized that it was time to pass the torch to others, I also knew that my gift was medicine, and I really loved my work.” Retirement is proving enjoyable and keeping her as busy as ever. “I spent my entire life looking after people, so early retirement has been more about self-care and self-reflection. Once I retired I felt that I needed some time for me to focus on my own wellness and spiritual growth.”

Dr. Strehlke initially relocated to the Sunshine Coast in BC near two of her four daughters who live in Vancouver and has recently moved to Edmonton where her third daughter lives. She has done a lot of travelling, including touring Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia (where her eldest daughter lives in Perth). She thoroughly enjoys spending time with family, especially her daughters (Heidi, Christina, Sonya and Monica) and 11 grandkids, and with friends. She has become involved with the church, along with focusing on personal interests including spirituality, reading, health, and watching detective shows!

Dr. Strehlke says she feels very honoured to have a scholarship in her name. “My hope is that the next generation of health care workers continues to hold the care of the individual as paramount and sees that there is a role to play in maintaining the human aspect of our work. We need to ensure that systems, science and technology don’t overshadow the relationships between practitioner and patient. Excellent health care requires a human element.”

“I hope that the scholarship provides an opportunity for students to study without worry about funding their education, and allows them to focus on their learning. I had such a wonderful career in Northern Alberta, and appreciated the community, care and opportunity that Grande Prairie provided to me and my family. It was the best place to raise a family and grow a career.”

On The Ground

Brooke Foster is in her final year of the Accelerated Nursing program at Dalhousie University.

Growing up in the Peace, Brooke has always shown a passion for giving back to the community and working with vulnerable people. Brooke is responsible for spearheading initiatives that supported struggling families and even organizing a fundraiser that sent Christmas boxes for disadvantaged children in Africa.

While working summer positions in group homes and seniors housing, it was apparent to Brooke that her passion for helping people by working in a people-centered environment, nursing was the right career choice.

Brooke plans to come back to the Peace Region upon graduating to practice as a Registered Nurse. Eventually, Brooke plans on returning to school to pursue a Master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner to support rural areas that experience disparities in access to healthcare.

“I am very grateful to be the recipient of this award and appreciate the investment the donors have made toward my education. This will be the last year of my nursing program, and I am very excited to start my career as a Registered Nurse and serve my community in Northern Alberta.”

MASON LOCKREM CREATIVE WRITING & READING FUND

Purpose: Field of Interest Fund

The Fund Supports

Creative writing and/or reading initiatives for youth in Northwestern Alberta. This may include but is not limited to updating library materials, writing and reading materials, educational programs to enhance skills related to creative writing and reading, and offering educational seminars related to creative writing or reading.

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Mason Lockrem passed away March 8, 2019 at the young age of 20 years old. His death devastated his entire family in countless, immeasurable ways.

Mason possessed a love for literature and creative writing that was extraordinary. He wrote his own book at age 14; avidly studying and developing characters, brainstorming page after page of plot development. His imagination had no bounds and was always alive with ideas. Leaving a legacy fund to honour him and his gift is a great joy and comfort and encourages other creative writers to pursue their dream.

His family felt they were lucky to experience the talents he had for the short time he was with them and it is so meaningful for them to share it with others in the region.

This fund will be available to applicants in 2023.