Episode 5: Hailey Laxer & Kristine Russell

Patient advocates Hailey Laxer, cystic fibrosis (CF) patient, and Kristine Russell, sepsis survivor, speak with CAIC senior advisor Dani Peters about their unique patient journeys and how antibiotics have saved each of their lives. They discuss how the new antibiotic pipeline has dried up and the critical role of biomedical innovation in enabling Canadians to live healthier, better lives. Hailey and Kristine also share their personal stories and perspectives on how patients should be engaged in the issues related to antimicrobial resistance and access to newer antimicrobials in Canada.

About the speakers:

Hailey S. Laxer is a driven and ambitious leader with a keen interest in healthcare, health equity and disability rights. She is currently studying law at McGill University with the goal of using law to inform and empower her efforts in health and patient advocacy. Hailey is a results-driven fundraiser of over $390,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She is a tireless public speaker and advocate for access to medications and patient rights. Her efforts for this cause earned her regional and provincial honours.

Kristine Russell is a survivor of postpartum sepsis as well as the parent of a child who also survived neonatal sepsis. In addition to being involved as a Patient Advisor with CAIC, she is actively involved with Alberta Health Services, UBC’s Action on Sepsis and Sepsis Canada, and is also the Marketing and Communications Program Manager for Sepsis Canada’s network. She calls Medicine Hat, Alberta her home with her husband Steven, sons Nolan, Gavin, and daughter, fellow sepsis survivor, Ellie.