Nearly a year ago, Jasmine Martin’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. As a driven HR manager and the founder of Seize The Day Foundation, Jasmine has always approached life with optimism and determination. But nothing could have prepared her for the whirlwind journey that would follow.
“I had been feeling off for a few weeks but brushed it off as something minor,” Jasmine recalls. “It wasn’t until I had a Grand Mal seizure in my sleep that I realized something was seriously wrong.” The eventual diagnosis was shocking, but Jasmine was grateful for the swift and thorough care she received at Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH). “It was good to know what I was dealing with right away,” she says.
Jasmine, following her surgical procedure.
Upon arriving at RCH, Jasmine was introduced to Dr. Zurab Ivanishvili, a neurosurgeon whose approach immediately stood out. “Dr. Ivanishvili had the best bedside manner,” Jasmine shares. “He didn’t sugarcoat anything but gave us all the details we needed. For me, the more information, the better.” Beyond his expertise, Dr. Ivanishvili stayed highly attentive to Jasmine’s situation, consistently monitoring her progress and addressing her concerns. His dedication gave Jasmine a deep sense of comfort during an uncertain time. “He made sure we knew not only what the diagnosis was but also what steps we could take next. That was incredibly comforting.”
Jasmine visiting the RCH Neurosurgery department that cared for her during her entire stay at the hospital.
The nurses and staff also left a lasting impression on Jasmine. “They were kind, attentive, and made me feel supported through every stage of my treatment and recovery,” she says. Their care extended beyond the medical, ensuring Jasmine felt emotionally prepared to face her challenges. Remarkably, Jasmine’s diagnosis and treatment coincided with her wedding plans. Instead of postponing, RCH staff worked around her schedule, allowing her to celebrate her special day. “I had not one but two small weddings,” she beams. “Dr. Ivanishvili even encouraged me to enjoy a dance and a bit of champagne at the reception. Those moments were some of the happiest of my life.”
Now in recovery, Jasmine reflects on the experience with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. “This has taught me how important it is to raise awareness about epilepsy and seizures, which are more common than people realize,” she explains. Jasmine hopes her story will inspire others facing similar challenges to maintain hope and seek the best care available.
For those navigating a difficult diagnosis, Jasmine offers encouragement: “You can live a very happy life regardless of what you’re going through.” To the team at Royal Columbian, she has a heartfelt message: “Thank you for giving me the chance to dance at my wedding and to keep dreaming big. I’ll forever be grateful.”
Today, Jasmine is determined to make a difference, continuing to lead the Seize The Day Foundation and sharing her journey to bring hope and awareness to others.