Surrey teacher with brain cancer turns to crowdfunding after long health-care delays, sparking debate on B.C.’s medical system.
A Teacher’s Life Turned Upside Down
For years, 37-year-old Surrey teacher Iris Sharma lived an active, healthy life. That changed last December when unusual symptoms started to appear. Head pressure, memory lapses, and severe sciatica pain began disrupting her days.
Doctors brushed off her concerns, often suggesting stress or anxiety as the cause. Months went by with little clarity, while her condition only worsened.
A Shocking Diagnosis After Months of Waiting
After nearly nine months of waiting for an MRI, Sharma finally received an answer that altered her life: a brain tumour, silently growing for over five years.
“I just felt betrayed by the system,” she shared, recalling the countless times her pain had been minimized.
Seeking Care Beyond Canada’s Borders
With treatment wait times dragging on, Sharma and her parents made the difficult decision to travel to Mexico City. There, she received a nerve blocker that immediately improved her mobility.
“Before this, I couldn’t stand for more than two minutes,” she explained. “Now I can walk again.”
Crowdfunding for a Fighting Chance
To cover her growing medical expenses, Sharma launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised more than $16,000. The support has given her both financial relief and renewed hope.
Calling for Change in the System
While Sharma continues to face uncertainty about her long-term health, she remains determined to use her voice.
“What if the medical system could meet my needs, and others’ needs too?” she asked. “How many people are sitting at home, waiting for care that could change their lives?”
Her story sheds light on a growing frustration across British Columbia—patients left in limbo, seeking solutions beyond Canada’s borders.
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