Latest news with #Janessa
Winnipeg Free Press
17 hours ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content Honouring Indigenous Children in Hospital
Every year 140,000 kids need care and treatment at HSC Children's Hospital. At any given time, 60 per cent of them are Indigenous. Many of them come from remote and northern communities, travelling hundreds of kilometres away from their homes, their families and their cultural supports. Some may stay in the hospital for weeks or even months. That's why we're supporting the development of the Indigenous Community Healing Space. It is needed for young patients and their families, and is a priority of the HSC Children's reconciliation initiatives. In Manitoba, Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by disease and health conditions when compared to non-Indigenous children. It's a grim statistic that points to systemic challenges Indigenous populations face. This is why everyone at the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the health care heroes at HSC Children's Hospital and the researchers at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba are committed to ReconciliACTION, and improving health outcomes for all kids who need care at Manitoba's only children's hospital. National Indigenous History month is a time to honour the unique experiences, cultures, achievements and stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples – like Janessa. In 2024, Children's Hospital Foundation announced Janessa as the first Champion Child from a Northern remote First Nations community. Janessa's home is in Pukatawagan and her healing journey highlights the challenges children in Manitoba's remote and isolated communities face to get specialized pediatric care. For kids like Janessa, the 2,000-sq.- ft. Indigenous Community Healing Space will include an area for traditional ceremonies, a library with Indigenous children's books and a place for visiting Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers to share stories and help comfort kids and their families. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. The space is fully Indigenous, led by Dr. Melanie Morris along with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, other Indigenous community members as well as Indigenous leaders in our medical community. When complete, it will provide families with a culturally safe space for healing. Its design will offer a place where children and families can connect with each other and nurture their whole selves – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In that same spirit, that's why we wanted Indigenous community members to truly see themselves at the Teddy Bears' Picnic. Last year Picnic started with Indigenous drummers and special messages from Indigenous leaders. Throughout the day, First Nations dancers, Inuit throat singers and Métis fiddlers took centre stage to entertain and educate children and families. On top of this, Indigenous Elders offered teachings all day long inside a teepee, further bridging connections. We hope that the community joins us again for Picnic on September 7 at Assiniboine Park. To help us continue supporting areas of need like the Indigenous Community Healing Space, please donate at Learn more about our Reconciliation efforts at
CBS News
02-04-2025
- CBS News
Family of 15-year-old who fatally overdosed on fentanyl aiming to keep her memory alive
A local family said they're one step closer to justice after a 27-year-old Aliquippa man was arrested in connection with their loved one's death . Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday charges against Shakeirs Foster for allegedly extorting a 15-year-old girl in exchange for fentanyl, ultimately leading to her death. "To be clear, this loss of life was directly caused by a predatory drug dealer who targeted a vulnerable child, and exploited her without a care for her wellbeing or worth as a person," Sunday said. "We're just glad that he's not able to find another girl like Mia and hurt them, too, and one less person that's out there selling fentanyl and killing people," Janessa Foster said, Mia's older sister. Janessa described the loss of her 15-year-old sister as a nightmare. " It feels like it's just been a bad dream I can't wake up from," Janessa said. "The only place I see my sister is in my dreams. It's not fair. She should be here. Right here. To be a 16-year-old in high school and like, she's not there. Like, why?" "According to the investigation, the victim contacted Foster (who used online aliases) via social media, requesting drugs. The child only had a little bit of money, so Foster said he would provide fentanyl bags –stamped 'MAFIA' – in exchange for sexual conduct with him," the Attorney General's Office said. "Witnesses saw a man, later identified as Foster, enter the victim's apartment building on May 7, 2024, and leave a short time later. Soon after, the victim became unconscious, and 911 was called. Emergency responders arrived at the apartment, attempted life-saving measures, and transported the girl to a hospital. She never regained consciousness and died on May 14, 2024." "I don't understand why he like, how did he not realize a 15-year-old little girl, and like, how can you live with yourself after doing that?" Janessa said. Mia's family is now finding ways to cope with the loss by keeping her memory alive. They have a memorial in their home in her memory. "I have a whole stand for her, but we get her fresh flowers and a candle every time you know the flowers are getting old, getting new ones, and same with the candle," Janessa said. Janessa called her sister her soulmate, telling KDKA-TV they did everything together. "We liked to make TikToks, and we liked to watch our favorite TV show, 'Shameless,' and we liked to go on shopping trips with our mom," Janessa said. "I miss hearing her laugh and seeing her smile." Janessa said her family hopes Mia's story will help others who struggle. "Whether that's mental health or addiction or anything, you know, just reach out for help if you're struggling and don't, don't suffer in silence," Janessa said. "People love you, people care about you." Sunday said his office is prioritizing public safety and removing drug traffickers from neighborhoods. "Fentanyl is a cruel killer that takes lives and tears families apart," Sunday said. "If our communities aren't safe, nothing else matters." Foster now faces charges, including drug delivery resulting in death and sexual extortion. He's currently in the Allegheny County Jail. His bond was denied.
