In 2019, the Soetens sadly became a family of four.
That’s because daughter Emily lost her battle with addiction and died of a fentanyl overdose at the age of 38.
She didn’t live on the streets or have a childhood that could be easily blamed for her turmoil.
Emily owned a car and a house; had a job and a loving supportive family; she played sports in a league and had great friends.
But Emily became addicted to opiates after being prescribed pain killers post ankle surgery.
For the six years before her death, she travelled the ever-precarious journey of getting treatment, help and support, navigating her way like she was on a tight-rope, every now and again loosing her footing.
Then one day, she was gone.
The Soetens family want you to know that there’s not “one size fits all” when it comes to addiction. That Emily didn’t “look like an addict” or wear a flashing sign on her forehead that you couldn’t help but notice.
But she was an addict.
And there are (and will be) heartbreakingly other families in exactly the same position as they were in.
So, the Soetens Family have generously created an annual bursary for the Mental Health & Addictions staff at Ajax Pickering Hospital to encourage them to extend their education, knowledge and skills (and share this with their colleagues) in how to support and work with their patients. Thus giving the staff more tools in their tool belt to create the best care strategies for their patients.
And in memory of their beloved daughter-sister, the Soetens Family also dedicated a bench in the hospital’s Indigenous Community & Healing Garden, with the plaque reading “Emily’s spirit and love lives on, she now invites you to sit and enjoy the outdoors in her memory.” (pictured at the right)
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or addictions issues, you can get in touch with Central Connect that allows patients and health-care providers to easily make new referrals into Lakeridge Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program.
