If you had a child or grandchild who had an incurable disease, wouldn’t you want them to have access to medicine that would alleviate some of their symptoms? To help them live a better quality of life while they await a cure?
I’ll bet on you're saying yes to this question.
I have two grandchildren with such diseases. Lauren is 20 and lives with cystic fibrosis (CF) and Type 1 diabetes. Her brother, Jared, is 23, lives with the same two conditions as his sister but with an added diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed at the age of 21.
There is a drug called Trikafta which is approved for use in several countries, including the United States, but it is not yet in Canada. This drug would help many CF patients (including my grandchildren) by alleviating some of the symptoms. Many people have for years contributed time, energy and money to raise funds for research into finding a cure for CF. I have participated in CF walks for over 25 years. No cures yet, but several drugs have been discovered that have helped some patients. Trikafta is the latest.
I urge all people who care about the health of children to write or email their MPs, whatever their political affiliation, to work together to bring this drug to Canada. It is heartbreaking for parents to watch their children struggle to live, knowing that they could have access to a drug that will help them to live better and longer.
CF can’t wait. Trikafta now!
Rita Deal-Roefs
Berwick
(formerly of Florence)