Chris stedile
Castlegar News
When you yourself have had a heart attack, help can be found at almost every turn, but where do those close to the victim turn for support?
This is what Castlegar resident and community volunteer Myra Duff has been trying to find out for nearly three years.
Duff’s husband had a heart attack in January 2012.
The emergency response team at the scene and hospital staff were able to help him and he is doing well now, but at the time Duff was feeling lost and alone.
She said many people feel this way after someone close has suffered a heart attack and it can help to have a connection with another person who knows what you’re going through.
This is why Duff is hosting her first ever meeting for those who are having to deal with this.
The meeting is being held at Carpenters Hall, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m..
The meeting is free and anyone is welcome.
“I was asking where there was support for people with partners that have had heart issues and there wasn’t a lot of information coming forward,” Duff said.
This was her incentive for the meetings which she describes as a support group and an information session.
It is intended to be a place where those affected by a loved one’s heart condition can come to ask questions, feel connected and express their concerns.
“I was looking for someone to tell me things were going to be okay,” said Duff.
“I didn’t realize anything about the heart, heart attacks or the signs.”
Duff continued, “I’m hoping this will benefit us and help our stress levels. Maybe something has changed in them. Maybe they realize life is very fragile or they just don’t feel like themselves.”
The meetings will be private and confidential. What is said in the meeting stays within the group.
As of now, Duff is working on having speakers from Interior Health come out and provide even more information and support.
Duff hopes for a decent turnout of at least a few people for reassurance that this is something the community will be interested in.
“Anything in a small town is going to take time,” Duff admitted.
But she is confident that what she is putting together will be appreciated by those who share her experience and is already planning on having a second meeting in December, possibly the 17th.