Paul Manly, executive director of the Naniamo Unitarian Shelter, is speaking out after a 23-year old woman named Sophia — who worked at the shelter — died after struggling to access primary care.
“She was a real rising star young, 23 years old when she died. Just very bright, and, and very compassionate, and dedicated to her work,” he said. “She was really well liked by other staff and guests at the shelter.”
Sophia had been on a medical leave of absense from work when Manly heard from her mother in November that her daughter had died. Her mother asked Manly to help share Sofia’s story, but not her last name.