Tammy O’Brien was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in June of 2024 and visited the Legislature Wednesday to lobby the Health Minister to help cover travel expenses for her essential out-of-province treatment, coverage that is routinely provided for patients seeking other specialized care, including breast cancer diagnostics and pediatric services.
During their meeting, Minister Carr told O’Brien that “you look like you’re doing well,” despite the serious and worsening symptoms she continues to endure.
A lifelong musician preparing for her radio debut, O’Brien is now slowly losing her hearing because of the tumor and is likely to soon have to give up music altogether. She struggles with balance, cannot sleep through the night due to tinnitus, and continues to face mounting health challenges even after undergoing brain surgery.
“I came here because I need help,” said O’Brien. “To have my concerns dismissed and told I ‘look like I’m doing well’ when I’m losing my hearing, my balance, and my ability to live my life normally was deeply hurtful. I deserve better from my Health Minister and I want an apology.”
Keith Jorgenson, Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Minister for Health, said the comment shows a troubling lack of empathy.
“I can’t imagine what the Minister could have meant, other than dismissing the seriousness of Tammy’s condition,” Jorgenson said. “It was an incredibly insensitive and out-of-touch remark. When someone is fighting for their health and asking for help, the response should be compassionate, not this.”
O’Brien and Carla Beck’s team are calling on Carr to personally apologize and to ensure patients requiring specialized out-of-province care receive the support they need.