‘Cure to everything is not in the store’: health food store owner on Stephan verdict

LETHBRIDGE – The day after a Lethbridge couple was found guilty on charges connected to their young son’s death from meningitis, a local family who runs a health food store – and who are friends with the couple – say their hearts are heavy following the jury’s verdict.

Ryan Oliver’s family has owned a health food store in Lethbridge for over 60 years and is friends with David and Collet Stephan.

“I know David and Collet and they love their children,” the store’s co-owner said. “A precedent may be made from the case. It’s important for people to know that people that shop here use both natural and conventional medicine.”

During the trial, the jury heard Collet Stephan took her 18-month-old son Ezekiel to the Lethbridge Naturopathic Medical Clinic where Dr. Tracey Tannis sold her an echinacea tincture hours before the boy was taken to hospital, but Tannis said she actually never met the family.

READ MORE: Naturopathic doctor in Alberta meningitis death trial to be investigated

Alternative medicine now appears to be under closer scrutiny, but one southern Alberta mother says while it can help, it’s not a replacement for traditional medication.

“If symptoms get out of hand, if someone runs a fever – then you take them,” Elisa Alexander said. “If things are getting worse, then I would definitely take them in to the hospital.”

Prosecutors at the Stephans’ trial said Ezekiel was also treated with Empowerplus before his death, a supplement sold at health food stores across Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Alberta couple found guilty in meningitis death of 18-month-old boy

“They were not using Empowerplus to treat anything. It’s a daily vitamin and its great for brain health,” Oliver said. “They were not using it as a cure for meningitis, they were using it how it was suppose to be used.”

Oliver said the Stephans are loving parents but added illnesses like meningitis need be treated by someone with actual medical training.

“Most Canadians know our products on our shelves are licensed by the government and go through a vigorous vetting process so they are safe and effective,” he said. “We refer people to naturopathic doctors.  We have referred people to the emergency room. The cure to everything is not in this store.”