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Help Suzanne Aucoin
Update Feb. 7, 2007
A week to the day of the phone call from Deputy Minister of Health, Ron Sapsford, and
I am still smiling. The unbelievable occurred. Andre Marin, Ombudsman for Ontario,
compiled a thorough investigation into my case with OHIP. Due to his findings and
recommendations, the Ministry of Health agreed to reimburse my full medical and legal
costs and implement changes to the Out of Country coverage application process.
Ron and I spoke briefly last week and he apologized for the undue stress I had to
endure because of my struggle with OHIP. I was able to speak to him about the need
for better cancer care in Ontario and to remember me when he (the Ministry) is
making changes and decisions. Although this is a significant win in my fight with
cancer, it is not the ends of what needs to be done. There is still a proposal by
Cancer Care Ontario that puts the responsibility on cancer patients to pay for
unfunded drugs. This is essentially the situation I just when through with OHIP. It is
grossly unfair and unjust. EQUITABLE AND TIMELY ACCESS TO THE LATEST IN CANCER
CARE DRUGS IS OF A PRIMARY RIGHT AND NEED FOR CANCER PATIENTS. This is still my
reason to be. It is how I am going to stay alive. I, and every other cancer patient,
need the latest and best in cancer care in order to stay one step ahead of this
disease.
Anyhow, Ron delivered the cheque to me on Thursday and I am glad that fundraising
can be put on hold. I want to focus on research and living as much of a balanced life
as possible. This includes celebrating and eating lots of yummy meals because I finally
have my full appetite. As well, my overall energy has improved. Treatment continues
to go well. I will probably have another ct scan in 4 weeks to determine if this chemo
combination regime is working.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone who stood by me through the struggle with
OHIP. I received so many kind and supportive emails and phone calls last week. The
media played a large role in keeping my situation in the public eye. This lead to the
investigation by the Ombudsman which lead to the victory. You all share this victory
with me.
Here’s to good news and a step in the right direction!
Suzanne Aucoin
A week to the day of the phone call from Deputy Minister of Health, Ron Sapsford, and
I am still smiling. The unbelievable occurred. Andre Marin, Ombudsman for Ontario,
compiled a thorough investigation into my case with OHIP. Due to his findings and
recommendations, the Ministry of Health agreed to reimburse my full medical and legal
costs and implement changes to the Out of Country coverage application process.
Ron and I spoke briefly last week and he apologized for the undue stress I had to
endure because of my struggle with OHIP. I was able to speak to him about the need
for better cancer care in Ontario and to remember me when he (the Ministry) is
making changes and decisions. Although this is a significant win in my fight with
cancer, it is not the ends of what needs to be done. There is still a proposal by
Cancer Care Ontario that puts the responsibility on cancer patients to pay for
unfunded drugs. This is essentially the situation I just when through with OHIP. It is
grossly unfair and unjust. EQUITABLE AND TIMELY ACCESS TO THE LATEST IN CANCER
CARE DRUGS IS OF A PRIMARY RIGHT AND NEED FOR CANCER PATIENTS. This is still my
reason to be. It is how I am going to stay alive. I, and every other cancer patient,
need the latest and best in cancer care in order to stay one step ahead of this
disease.
Anyhow, Ron delivered the cheque to me on Thursday and I am glad that fundraising
can be put on hold. I want to focus on research and living as much of a balanced life
as possible. This includes celebrating and eating lots of yummy meals because I finally
have my full appetite. As well, my overall energy has improved. Treatment continues
to go well. I will probably have another ct scan in 4 weeks to determine if this chemo
combination regime is working.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone who stood by me through the struggle with
OHIP. I received so many kind and supportive emails and phone calls last week. The
media played a large role in keeping my situation in the public eye. This lead to the
investigation by the Ombudsman which lead to the victory. You all share this victory
with me.
Here’s to good news and a step in the right direction!
Suzanne Aucoin