Grieving wife determined to force improvements to healthcare in Alberta

CiCi Nguyen is certain her husband would have died with, or without, the timely help of a medical oncologist.

But she insists it’s just not right Alberta’s medical system failed to give Steven Wong the opportunity to prolong his life.

He waited for 11 weeks, without an appointment.

CityNews first introduced you to Nguyen and Wong in July.

At 41, he was diagnosed with gastric cancer on May 2nd.

An emergency room doctor found it after Wong went in acid reflux.

The father of three young boys died on July 19th.

“We never heard from the actual oncologist themselves or anyone from the Cross Cancer explaining to us why we couldn’t see somebody,” said Nguyen.

“He didn’t deserve the way he was treated at the end.”

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The health minister did not agree to an interview, but a statement expressed condolences and admitted Alberta does need to improve cancer care.

“Cancer programs across Canada are all struggling to address increased workload demands and competing to recruit oncology specialists in a highly competitive environment,” said a spokesperson from the health ministry. “We are actively collaborating with AHS to recruit oncology specialists across Alberta.”

However, Nguyen says “It’s not enough. It’s 100 per cent not enough. You hear them telling you ‘We’re trying.’ It’s not enough. ‘We’re trying to hire.’ Not enough.”

Nguyen said a lack of timely care meant her husband fought for his life, while she fought for a doctor.

“It felt frustrating because the last thing I wanted to do was be fighting the system. I wanted to be there for my husband. I wanted to be the emotion support for him. I didn’t think I need to have to publicly advocate for his care or for what I felt like he deserved,” she explained.

While she heals with her sons and puppy at her side, Nguyen is determined to honour her husband by demanding better care than he received.