A Life Worth Living - Help Us #SaveGwensLife

#MedicalCareNotMAiD #SupportsToLive #SaveGwen #LifeSaving

 

 

Please help us save our friend, Gwen*, who is in severe and debilitating chronic pain with no end in sight. Unable to afford treatment, Gwen has approached doctors about MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying).

 

This is an actual life-or-death situation.

 

The provincial healthcare system and insurance companies are denying coverage for the treatment recommended by Gwen’s doctors, forcing Gwen to choose between unbearable lifelong pain and suffering, or death. Gwen wants to live, but she cannot access the treatment she desperately needs on her own.

 

Gwen was born with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder that is caused by defects in collagen. Her health is further complicated by common co-occurring conditions like ADHD, Autism and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. A car accident nearly a decade ago caused her to develop chronic, intractable and intolerable pain. She uses a walker for mobility and has been waiting for a wheelchair for over 2 years. Friends built a ramp, without which the act of simply getting into her home would often cause severe pain.

 

Gwen can not make it without support. Having already approached doctors about seeking MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying), access to treatment is extremely urgent and cannot wait.

 

We are M.H., S.H., and B.W., a group of people who know Gwen from her community work in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. We are seeking $60,000 to get Gwen the treatment she needs. Family and friends alone cannot raise enough funds to cover the costs, so we are reaching out to the broader community to help fund these live-saving treatments.

 

Disabled Canadians in BC shouldn’t have to die due to lack of treatment. Socioeconomic status shouldn’t be a death sentence!

 

Gwen has always been a tireless advocate and community organizer, touching many people’s lives. Gwen’s young child deserves to grow up with her parent. With treatment, Gwen has a chance at a quality-of-life and an opportunity to enjoy seeing her little one grow up.

 

Funds raised will go towards Gwen’s treatment. Funds will also go to childcare and travel to and from the clinic.

 

Please contribute generously and spread the word about this campaign. Help save Gwen’s life!

 

 

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*We are using a pseudonym for her safety.