Christine Stenquist was working at a hospital in Utah in 1996 when she experienced a sharp pain in her head. She lost consciousness and collapsed. After waking up and a series of tests, Christine learned she had a brain tumor and surgery was the next step.
This was when Stenquist was just 24-years-old.
Surgery was full of complications, a blood vessel was hit and there was hemorrhaging. Doctors were unable to remove the entire tumor, and she slipped into a coma for several days. Christine had also suffered a stroke, affecting her left-side, speech, and balance.
The months ahead were tough for Stenquist. She suffered through failed therapies and endured chronic pain.
At that point, she began researching medical marijuana. Much to the chagrin of her Marine father.
According to Christine, medical pot was the only thing that helped her cope with the pain and helped her regain an appetite. That factor ultimately helped her new career with Utah group TRUCE (Together For Responsible Use and Cannabis Education.)
She now travels the country and tells her story as well as pushes for easier access to medical marijuana in all 50 states. Stenquist was recently in Fremont County and held a community meeting at the REACH Foundation. She also stopped into the County 10 offices for a conversation and a podcast with Riverton Local Ladies host Bethany Baldes.
Listen to that conversation in the player below, subscribe to Riverton Local Ladies on your favorite podcast app, or click the 10Cast page.
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