Deb Surine, a 42-year-old woman from Calgary, has returned to her family farm in Saskatchewan where she spent much of her childhood. Surrounded by baby animals, she finds solace in the simplicity of farm life. Despite the happy memories depicted in childhood photos, Surine’s past is marked by abuse and trauma that led her to leave home at the age of 15. Turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism, she struggled with addiction for many years, hiding her inner struggles behind a successful career as a Red Seal electrician and instructor at SAIT in Calgary.
In 2020, Surine made the decision to seek help for her addiction issues and entered a rehab program at the Foothills Medical Centre. Initially resistant to the idea that substances were her primary problem, she eventually embraced the opportunity for change after a pivotal conversation with a member of the rehab team. Through group therapy and support from the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine team, Surine was able to address the root cause of her addiction – childhood trauma. With the help of Dr. Christine Gibson, a Calgary trauma specialist, Surine has been sober for two years and seven months.
Just as Surine was fully embracing her sober life and finding joy in her newfound freedom, she received a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer in January 2024. Rather than feeling crushed by the news, Surine felt a sense of relief, viewing the diagnosis as an end to her lifelong battle. She decided to spend her remaining time at the family farm in Saskatchewan, finding happiness in simple tasks like caring for the animals. Despite her acceptance of the diagnosis, Surine acknowledges her fear of the pain associated with dying from cancer.
Throughout her journey, Surine has faced stigma and challenges in addressing both her addiction issues and her cancer diagnosis. She hopes to raise awareness about the importance of viewing mental health and addiction disorders with the same compassion and understanding as physical illnesses like cancer. Despite the difficulties she has faced, Surine remains grateful for the support she has received and is dedicated to helping others who may be struggling with similar challenges. She plans to donate her possessions to charity and raise money for organizations that support individuals in need.
As Surine reflects on her life and the experiences that have shaped her, she emphasizes the importance of compassion towards others, especially those facing mental health and addiction issues. She urges people to listen to the stories of others, to understand the complexities of mental health, and to offer support and understanding rather than judgment. Despite her terminal diagnosis, Surine finds peace and happiness in the simple joys of farm life, grateful for the opportunity to live each day to the fullest until the end of her life. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion in facing life’s most challenging moments.
