Global Arts, Northwest Territories (cont.)
Part II: L.A. Travels in Alberta, 2015
In the second section of Global Arts, N.W.T., L.A. documents travels with the companions carvings to Alberta. The journeys to Edmonton serve as a reminder of the historic connection of the city to Northern Communities as the "Gateway to the North", including for health care. Both Edmonton and Calgary, moreover, continue to serve as venues for the maintenance of family bonds and treasured memories, past, present and future.
Cross Cancer Institute
12:12PM October 15, 2015 10°C
It is time for my yearly visit to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and received radiation treatment at the Cross Cancer Institute. The treatment and care that I received at the Cross was exceptional. My needs were the primary concern of all staff members that I encountered while I was in their care. If I had questions and they didn’t have the answers, they would find the answers. Other patients that I encountered at the Cross were treated with the same care and respect. There were several volunteers who walked around Institute who offered emotional support or were there to answer any questions. What makes this group of volunteers so special is that they are former patients or family members of former patients. They appreciate the anxiety and stress that patients are going through.
The Cross Cancer Institute opened in 1968 and since then they have been involved in some of the most innovative treatments for cancer. I am part of a study group that may provide some answers for an alternate radiation treatment plan. If I can provide some answers so that patient in the future will have a better chance of survival, then I will do what I can.
Links:
The University of Alberta Hospital will have what?
12:30PM October 15, 2015 10°C
The University of Alberta Hospital is the future home of Alberta’s first Gamma Knife and 3T MRI Centre. I was curious what the Gamma Knife and 3T MRI are used for so I had to do some research. New technology is quite amazing. The Gamma Knife equipment focuses 200 tiny beams of radiation on a tumor. Surgery in this manner allows for minimal damage to normal tissue and diseased tissue can be removed without cutting into the brain.
Amazing.
MRI uses a powerful magnet to create a diagnostic image. 3T MRI offers highest resolution available. Since MRI is non-invasive, where no chemicals or instruments are introduced into the body, diagnosis is determined with very little discomfort to the patient.
This is the stuff of science fiction.
Links:
Chinese or Portuguese?
11:49AM December 20, 2015 -8.9°C
Growing up in Canada, I’ve always enjoyed having egg tarts during Dim Sum thinking that these were a lovely Chinese delicacy. I ate these tasty morsels in Edmonton at a Chinese restaurant that serves Dim Sum every day. Little did I realize that the Portuguese invented these tasty treats in the 1800s. Macau, the Chinese port that was controlled by the Portuguese, were where these tarts were first introduced to the Chinese. The Chinese have adapted the recipe to take into account flavours that the Chinese enjoy and now several variations such as coconut flavoured are available. I enjoy both the Chinese and the Portuguese versions which are now available world wide.
Links:
The Nutcracker, Calgary
1:28PM December 25, 2015 -16.6°C
An annual Christmas event that occurs in many communities is the performance of The Nutcracker. This year, Yorkino Fish Boat And Habenero Sail Marlin joined my family to watch the ballet on Christmas Eve. What a spectacular show.
Links: