A Coquitlam city councillor says he hopes the community can help support a local woman who’s “almost like a full-time volunteer.”
Chris Wilson said he met Katrina Shelast through the local Rotary club.
“It’s phenomenal, her commitment to try to make her community better,” said Wilson. “So many people are appreciative of that.”
Shelast helps vulnerable kids get in-school meals through a group called Starfish Backpacks, collects Valentine’s Day cards and Christmas gifts for seniors, set up a bowling fundraiser to help send kids with cancer to Disneyland, and serves as an ambassador for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
The 31-year-old was recently diagnosed with endometriosis, which causes pelvic pain for adult women and has been linked to infertility.
She needs more surgery this year, but taking time off from the hair salon she owns to recover is not ideal.
Wilson said Shelast is not eligible for short- or long-term disability coverage, given the nature of her condition.
So he helped set up an effort to raise money to get to the chiropractor, massage therapist and naturopath.
“I just thought this is the least that we can do for someone who’s made such a contribution to our community.”
An online fundraiser has already raised $2,400 towards its $7,000 goal.
The group is also hosting a pub night on March 10 at 6 p.m. at the John B. Pub at 1000 Austin Ave. in Coquitlam.
Wilson said it wasn’t easy getting Shelast to agree to asking for help.
“She didn’t want to do it. She’s about giving, she’s not about receiving or taking.”
So they agreed to also create an awareness campaign about endometriosis, since the painful condition is not well-known, but affects up to 10 per cent of all women. March also happens to be Endometriosis Awareness Month.
“It’s been overwhelming,” said Shelast about the support. “It’s even hard talking about it. I don’t do what I do in our community for a reason. It’s overwhelming to even be recognized for that.”
She said it’s been tough learning to take help from others, since she has always felt independent and responsible as an entrepreneur, but added medical costs are a lot higher than you might think.
She is working part-time at the salon and preparing her surgery, but takes all the messages and donations of support to heart.
“It’s very humbling and I’m very grateful.”