Collaborative mural honours infertility journeys at Alberta Reproductive Centre
A mural was unveiled at the Alberta Reproductive Centre Saturday in honour of Canadian Fertility Awareness Week.
The mural, made up of artwork from 10 women, was part of an art therapy initiative to help families facing infertility.
Caroline Anderson was one of two psychologists leading the session. The other was Dr. Adrienne Witol.
She said infertility can be a long, difficult process, and art can help express those feelings.
The session was also a chance for the women to find community.
"Even though everyone may be here with different reasons, they're all here with the shared desire to become parents," Andersen said. "There's a very powerful moment in that, to meet others sharing the same struggle and the same grief."
Kaitlyn Kropla said it was nice to be able to talk openly about her journey without having to worry about shocking someone or breaking down the lingo around infertility.
"It was definitely healing, and it was also cool to feel a sense of normal with everyone in the room," Kropla said. "For once in this two-and-a-half-year journey, I sort of felt kind of normal."
The 10-piece mural will stay at the Alberta Reproductive Centre for three months, before artists take their work home.
According to the Alberta Reproductive Centre, Alberta does not cover any fertility treatments.
Participants each donated $40 to Fertility Alberta, which is actively campaigning the Alberta government to cover the cost of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Galen McDougall
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable right now, but solutions on the table in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting
During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.
Pedestrian killed by Via Rail train near Kingston, Ont.
Regular rail traffic has resumed with severe delays.
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, hundreds stuck on Highway 11
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shovelling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall on Saturday.
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday.
Beef prices reach record highs in Canada
The cost of beef continues to rise, reaching record highs on grocery store shelves ahead of the busiest time for many grocers and butchers before the holiday season.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine U.S. dollar
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100 per cent tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar.
Bob Bryar, drummer for rock band My Chemical Romance, dead at 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for the band My Chemical Romance, has died. He was reportedly 44.
Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, giving four women injections
A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women.
'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled
A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled.