If it wasn’t for the intervention of popular American conservative talk radio host Glenn Beck, life might have already been over for Canadian Jolene Van Alstine.
In fact, without the spotlight he shone on her situation, she could be just another statistic on Canada’s soaring assisted suicide rate.
The 45-year-old from the province of Saskatchewan has, for nearly a decade, suffered from a rare, but treatable parathyroid disease that causes intense bone pain, nausea, and vomiting.
All that time, the Canadian health system, its politicians and bureaucrats have failed her.
But now her case is in the public eye, medical experts are already responding with relatively simple treatment.
CATCH-22 OF THE CANADIAN HEALTH SYSTEM
When her story first rose to international prominence, it was reported Jolene needed a particular surgery.
However, there were no surgeons available in Saskatchewan able to perform the required procedure.
Because of Canada’s healthcare system, she needed to be referred to a doctor outside her province.
But, in order to obtain a referral, she first needed a consultation with an endocrinologist in Saskatchewan.
But not one of them was reportedly willing to take her on as new patient.
CANADA’S BUREAUCRATS RECOMMEND ASSISTED SUICIDE
Jolene visited the provincial legislature in November, where she begged for assistance in her case.
But rather than remove bureaucratic red tape, government workers reportedly suggested she kill herself.
They recommended the country’s controversial euthanasia program, MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying).
At her wits’ end, Jolene reluctantly agreed because of her pain, nausea and suffering — not because she had a terminal illness.
Jolene before she became ill
RADIO HOST OFFERS HELP, TELLS WORLD ABOUT JOLENE’S CASE
She was originally due to see a MAiD provider on January 7.
She didn’t keep the appointment because Glenn Beck offered her hope with all costs covered.
The radio host asked on CBN News: “How do you let a person die? How are Canadians viewing this? How are they not standing up and saying: ‘That’s unacceptable. She doesn’t have to die?’”
He offered to fund her care, including her transfer to the US and whatever medical intervention might have been necessary for her recovery.
That overwhelming act of kindness has given Jolene a new lease on life and a renewed energy to keep fighting toward healing — rather than taking the Canadian government up on doctor-assisted suicide.
MEDICAL EXPERTS UNITE WITH A SIMPLE PLAN
“Yes, today was the original day they gave me,” she told the Toronto Sun on January 7.
“I’m Roman Catholic. Suicide is a sin, but I just couldn’t stand the pain and nausea and vomiting and overheating 24/7.”
While Beck’s offer to fly Jolene to Florida for an operation still stands, the Sun is reporting surgeons in Tampa, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are discussing what would be the best next steps in her case.
Together, they have agreed on an alternative strategy.
JOLENE’S NEW TREATMENT
“I have been taking high doses of calcium and vitamin D,” she told the Toronto Sun.
“This was recommended by the specialist from Toronto, and the surgeon in Florida agreed that this should be tried first.”
“If it brings my parathyroid levels down to low normal, then I don’t need another surgery.”
“I need an endocrinologist who deals with patients who need monitoring of their calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium levels and can adjust them as needed.”
However, she added: “If it does not bring my levels down, then there is still another gland inside me somewhere that is overactive.”
Glenn Beck and Jolene Van Alstine are keeping in touch according to the Sun.
Now she’s in the public eye, she’s likely to get expert treatment in the future and Canadian bureaucrats need not suggest euthanasia again.
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