Ruby's Story
It is also a story that reflects the level of care and treatment received by many of the sufferers of Gastroparesis and chronic illnesses, in both New Zealand and overseas.
Ruby died on April 29th 2019 after a fiercely fought battle with Idiopathic Gastroparesis. This is not the outcome we could have ever expected. She showed exceptional strength and bravery and we are stepping up to the plate to continue to raise her voice.
The following is her story and highlights the difficulties that she experienced with her care during her many many hospital admissions.
How labels of "its all in your head" and "anorexia" prevented her from being given the treatment she needed.
It was Ruby’s desire throughout her illness to improve care for not just herself, but anyone else struggling within the medical system.
Medicinal Cannabis
Ruby was a passionate advocate who used every opportunity to speak up for patients’ rights and their freedom to choose appropriate treatment pathways.
During her illness and eventual transitional phase, Ruby strongly advocated for the use of cannabis as an alternative to the many prescription medications prescribed to manage a wide range of symptoms, including severe abdominal pain and nausea.
After her body could no longer tolerate the heavier and, in her view, more dangerous mainstream pharmaceuticals, Ruby became one of Northland DHB’s first patients to receive a prescription for medical cannabis.
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"One day you’ll tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will become someone else’s survival guide"