The family of a missing woman is offering a $10,000 reward in hopes that she will be found.
Rebecca Harbowy was last seen leaving Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge during the early morning hours of Nov. 23. She did not have a phone on her and left all alone.
The 36-year-old woman was allegedly escorted out of the hospital. Her sister Rachel Bertoia says this happened after an argument with one of the staff members and questions why the hospital didn’t call her family or a cab.
“I feel really disappointed,” says Bertoia. “I am really disappointed in the staff at the hospital and the way my sister was treated."
Harbowy has a drug addiction and was trying to detox at home when her mother decided to take her to the hospital. She lived at her mother’s home with her boyfriend.
“She had no phone, no money, no wallet, nothing,” says Bertoia. "She was a human being and she was not treated as a human being."
A Fraser Health spokesperson says staff have reached out to the patient's family to "answer any questions they have as we know this is a very distressful time,” adding that adults can discharge themselves against medical advice.
When questioned about her release, Glacier Media was told due to confidentiality, staff will not discuss details related to a specific patient’s health-care circumstances.
"Our thoughts are with this person’s family during this difficult time. We hope she is located and safe,” says spokesperson Nick Eagland.
Harbowy’s mother was called at 1:30 a.m. after she had already left. Once she got to the hospital, she couldn’t find her anywhere and drove around looking for her until 5 a.m.
“My sister is very, very scared of the dark. She's not an independent person,” says Bertoia.
Home video surveillance was sent to the family and police, showing the last known steps Harbowy took before she disappeared.
At 1:26 a.m., video captures her walking on River Road before the train station.
Bertoia recognized her sister right away and says she was wearing the same clothing.
“It’s her, for sure,” she says “Without a doubt.”
On Wednesday evening (Dec. 6), the family started a search group in that very area to look for clues and spread the word that she is missing.
"I feel like that was like a glimmer of hope that my family really is clutching on to and you know, I feel like that re-energized us to push forward and continue fighting for Rebecca,” Bertoia says of the video.
An investigation by Ridge Meadows RCMP is ongoing. After 14 days, there have been no new sightings of Harbowy.
“She's a fighter, so we want to continue making sure that we're fighting for her,” says Bertoia.
The $10,000 reward is for any information that leads to Harbowy's whereabouts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251 and reference file number 2023-23402.
