@Denise’s Cancer Journey 

A woman in Mooretown, Ontario, is at a place in her life that none of us ever expect to be. We believe in the strength of our Canadian social safety net, one of the best in the world, to the extent that we don’t complain about paying into the tax base that helps to make it happen. After all, we tell ourselves, the benefits will be there for us when we need them. But wait a minute…is that true?

For one Canadian, Ontarian Denise Wade, the system has failed her when she needs it most! Denise was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. Since then, it has developed in her right lung and brain. When first diagnosed, Denise underwent chemotherapy and radiation. For the last two years she has been taking a medication,Tagrisso (Osimertinib), which has slowed the growth of the tumors and literally kept her alive, and paid for by her insurance company.
 In November her drug benefit plan will expire, and her insurance company will no longer be covering Tagrisso. Denise is requesting the province to cover the cost of the medication. 

Imagine being in Denise’s situation right now! Every passing day brings her closer to the date when the medication that costs $10,000 monthly, will be denied her. Imagine her panic as she searched one resource after another, hearing ‘No’ at every turn. As fellow humans, we would do the same. We would keep searching, hoping that the decision makers would focus on us as people and not on the cost of the medicine.

Her doctor applied to the government-funded “Exceptional Access Program” to continue covering her monthly prescription cost, but was denied. Her doctor also applied to the manufacturer of Tagrisso, AstraZeneca, to inquire if the company would cover the monthly costs but was once again denied.  

Can we all stand in solidarity with Denise in asking for Denise’s request for medication support to be honoured? 

Just a couple of minutes of our time, but so very much more in the life of Denise Wade.

In today’s society, there tends to be a great deal of apathy around issues that do not directly affect one’s self and one’s family. A belief that one ‘cannot fight city hall’! Yet even in such times as these, there are events and situations that are so harsh, so distasteful, that THEY WAKE US UP! What is currently happening to Denise Wade is one of these situations! It calls us to ACTION! It reminds us that we have a basic responsibility to one another! It ‘gets in our heads’ to the extent that we cannot ignore it! It reminds us that WE CAN help to make a difference in another person's life! That we can help a fellow human another human accomplish what they cannot accomplish single-handedly! This call to solidarity asks for your support in this petition to help Denise! Thank you!