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
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.