Yellowknife resident spends thousands traveling south for ALS diagnosis

Mary Rose Blackduck, a former Tłı̨chǫ broadcaster, began suffering frequent falls, muscle cramps and unilateral weakness, prompting several consultations in Yellowknife that resulted only in sleep-aid prescriptions. Frustrated, she spent almost $6,000 on a medical trip to the University of Alberta Hospital, where physicians diagnosed her with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that typically allows two to five years of life after detection.

Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority explained that ALS diagnosis is challenging and that the territory does not employ a full-time neurologist, relying instead on visiting private specialists from Alberta. The health department declined to comment on individual reimbursement, noting that medical travel requires a referral under territorial policy. Blackduck does not expect a refund and is weighing a move to Edmonton to join an ALS support group, as none exist locally. She is now focusing on arranging her affairs while coping with the prognosis.