This week I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) after suddenly losing vision in my right eye and dealing with a wide range of neurological symptoms. Over the past two months, I’ve been in and out of hospitals, undergoing treatment for optic neuritis, numerous neurological tests and multiple mri scans. From the beginning of my vision loss, doctors suspected an MS flare…but the journey to answers has been long, overwhelming, and terrifying. 

One thing that kept me calm throughout this was hearing many times that there are excellent treatments available for MS. Treatments that can slow progression, reduce flare ups, and give people with MS a real chance at stable, healthy lives. Yet in British Columbia, these medication options aren’t fully funded. 

 I was recommend Kesimpta and Ocrevus as my first choices—medications funded in every other province but the one I live in. Instead I’ll have to revert to taking Rituximab, which is known as an older and off-brand medication used for MS treatment along with a list of other autoimmune diseases and cancer. Long-term usage of this medication is known to increase the risk and frequency of MS flare ups, thereby contributing to potential irreversible nerve damage. Patients in BC have to use older treatment or are forced to “fail” the criteria needed to authorize the use of other MS treatments and medications before we can even apply for the ones our neurologists believe are best. Some must fight through months and mountains of paperwork just to be considered for modern MS treatments. 

After spending two months terrified, losing my vision, and being reassured that “there are amazing treatments for MS,” learning that these aren’t accessible in my own province has been devastating. Even with private insurance I am still not covered. 

Access to the best medication right away without drowning in mountains of paperwork for special authorization is absolutely necessary and can mean the difference between maintaining a healthy, independent life or potentially facing permanent disability. The financial burden of paying out of pocket (often thousands per month: Kesimpta is approximately $26,000 a year; Ocrevus is approximately $33,000 a year) is overwhelming and unrealistic for most families. No one should have to suffer, worsen, or risk life-long complications simply because they live in British Columbia. People with MS in this province deserve the same access to medication as the rest of the country. 

I am calling on the Government of British Columbia and PharmaCare to fund Kesimpta, Ocrevus, and other modern MS treatments. Our health and future depends on safe medication. 

Please join me in advocating for accessible MS care in BC. By signing this, you can help ensure every person living with RRMS in British Columbia has access to the best treatment available—not just those who can afford it.