A Salt Spring author has launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to publish her memoir called An Ocean Between the Waves.
The book tells the story of Terri Potratz’ young-onset rectal cancer diagnosis and how she found a middle path between conventional treatment and alternative therapies.
“Young-onset cancer is on the rise, and when I was diagnosed I didn’t see my experience reflected anywhere,” said Potratz. “This book is my way of adding that perspective, and I hope it will help others feel less alone.”
Potratz needs just 170 people to support the project at the “signed hardcore level” (or $7,500 in total) to enable editing, design and the first print run. The campaign runs until Oct. 7. Search for “Terri Potratz” at kickstarter.com.
“Being diagnosed with cancer while living on a small island comes with some unique challenges,” she said. “Along with limited local infrastructure, there’s the added complexity of ferry schedules, TAP forms and off-island accommodation. I struggled to time my medical appointments around work, and the needs of my two young children.
“Most islanders are referred to Victoria for treatment, but I chose to go to Vancouver, where I could stay with family to receive daily chemoradiation over five weeks. That meant additional logistics and stress, but also the chance to weave together a broader care plan: oncology at BC Cancer in Vancouver, and my naturopathic oncologist at the Integrated Health Centre in White Rock, who worked in tandem with Madrona Integrative Health on Salt Spring to ensure I could receive mistletoe lectin and frequent Vitamin C IV therapies locally.”
Potratz said she hopes the book will illustrate how islanders can support their health even with rural barriers.
Potratz is also the organizer of the local Paper Covers Rock literary festival — running this year on Oct. 3 and 4 — and is a Salt Spring National Art Prize finalist in the exhibition that opens at Mahon Hall on Sept. 27, running through Oct. 19.