Island MP supports retired CAF major in appeal to Veterans Affairs Canada
A member of parliament is now supporting a retired Canadian Armed Forces major, who is preparing for a potential kidney transplant, in an appeal to Veterans Affairs Canada.
'I hope that they make a favourable decision for him. And we'll certainly advocate on his behalf, but it's really going to be up to [VAC] to decide if it fits the parameters of the types of services that they deliver,' says Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP, Jeff Kibble.
Ret. Maj. Bruce Sand's kidney health is failing due to a disease that's been linked to his service in Haiti in 2006/07. A comrade the Shawnigan Lake man once worked with in the Rhodesian Army has volunteered to give one of his kidneys to Sand when he's expected to need the lifeline.
'Bruce is somebody that I really admire and he's been a friend for life,' says potential donor, Mike Gurney. 'He's somebody that you would aspire to be.'
Play
Travel costs stall veteran's donor match
Time is of the essence for a retired B.C. veteran searching for a living kidney donor.
The pair say early testing indicates they're a match. But Sand is frustrated Veterans Affairs Canada has turned down a request to cover the cost for Gurney to travel from his home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – if the transplant goes ahead.
'Way back in 2013, I received full compensation. But they also have a duty to assist me with treatment. And this is a treatment. It's not somebody coming to visit me to shake my hand or say goodbye to me as I lie sick in hospital. This is somebody who's bringing a live kidney for me to have,' says Sand, while speaking with CTV News a week prior.
The minister of Veterans Affairs has declined an interview due to privacy reasons. A spokesperson in the department has said VAC works with veterans on a case-by-case basis, since every situation is unique.
'There are times when people don't necessarily agree with the decision, and there's a process to appeal to request further information. And that's the process that we're in now,' says Kibble, who served with the Royal Canadian Navy for 28 years.
The timeline for the next steps under an appeal are unclear. Sand says he'll be at an optimal window for transplant once his kidney function drops below 15 per cent. Currently, he says, he's at 18 per cent.
'I would like it to work. Bruce deserves better… He's given hit gut, everything and always has,' says Gurney. 'I just think it's time that the bureaucracy should find ways to make things happen.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
26 minutes ago
- CTV News
Face to Face campaign raises money for Hospice Windsor Essex's transportation program
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County in Windsor, Ont. on Monday, Nov. 1, 2022. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor) The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County has launched its 23rd annual Face to Face campaign to raise money for the Fairley Family Transportation Campaign. The Fairley Family Transportation Program supports rides to medical appointments and wellness programs for Hospice clients. 'We're so grateful for everyone who supports the Face to Face campaign year after year,' said Katharen Bortolin, Hospice executive director. 'Because of you, people in Hospice care can get to important appointments and make meaningful memories with their loved ones. Thank you for continuing to show up for our Hospice patients and families in such an impactful and generous way.' In 2022, it was announced that the Face to Face campaign also supports the Granting Exceptional N' Impactful Experiences (G.E.N.I.E Program), which allows patients receiving hospice care to request special trips or outings. 'We're so excited to be back for our 23rd year of our Hospice Face to Face Campaign, and another year of supporting Hospice patients and families throughout Windsor and Essex County,' said John Fairley, campaign founder. 'We look forward to supporting even more memorable moments through this year's campaign. If you would like to donate to the cause, it runs until Sept. 30. Canvassers will be out collecting donations in person or they can be made online.
National Post
26 minutes ago
- National Post
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and wife pledge record US$2B to Oregon cancer centre
PORTLAND, Ore. — Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, have pledged to donate US$2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute, the school announced Thursday, describing it as the largest single gift to a U.S. university. Article content 'This gift is an unprecedented investment in the millions of lives burdened with cancer, especially patients and families here in Oregon,' OHSU President Shereef Elnahal said in a statement. Article content Article content The donation will help ensure patients have access to various resources, including psychological, genetic and financial counselling, symptom management, nutritional support and survivorship care, the university statement said. Article content Article content The university described it as the 'largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university, college or academic health center.' It surpasses the US$1.8 billion given by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins in 2018, described by that university at the time as the largest single contribution to a U.S. university. Article content Bloomberg also donated an additional US$1 billion to Johns Hopkins last year, covering tuition, living expenses and fees for students from families under certain income levels. Article content The magnitude of the donation will allow the Knight Cancer Institute to become a self-governed entity with its own board of directors within OHSU, the university said. Article content Article content Knight is Oregon's richest man. In 2013, he and his wife pledged US$500 million to the cancer institute if the university matched it within two years. The match was met following US$200 million in bonds from the Oregon Legislature, US$100 million from then-chair of Columbia Sportswear Gert Boyle, and donations from some 10,000 people, the university said. Article content
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Lawson's vice president of research no longer with organization, dogs remain under care of Lawson Research Institute
An internal email obtained by CTV News outlined that Lawson's vice president of research and scientific director, Lisa Porter, is no longer with the organization. Lawson also released a news release, outlining that dogs remain under the care of St. Joseph's Health Care's Lawson Research Institute, despite animal testing no longer taking place. Roy Butler, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Health Care, said in the email that Andrey Andreits, the interim director of research operations, will take on the responsibility of day-to-day operations. In regards to the dogs in the organization's care, Lawson said the Canadian Council on Animal Care and the Western Animal Care Committee are offering their oversight to ensure ethical research. 'As part of the studies, dogs were included in an enrichment program created by registered veterinary technologists to ensure they were socialized with each other and humans daily,' a news release read. 'They also had access to outdoor spaces and nutritious food. Although the research studies involving dogs have stopped, the care continues to be delivered for the dogs currently in our care.' Officials said research officials were overseen and 'careful management of pain was a top priority.' Lawson ensures all procedures were done under anaesthetic. More to come.
