Clara Robinson thanks her community

Clara Robinson met the press today to thank Sault Ste. Marie for its help in her battle with lymphedema, a rare, potentially dangerous condition marked by swelling of the arms, legs or other parts of the body.

Speaking at the office of Sault MPP Tony Martin, Robinson expressed appreciation to Martin and others who set up trust fund that enabled her to get treatment at Providence/St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington.

Martin issued the following news release:

**************************************************************** Sault woman expresses appreciation for community support in her battle with rare medical condition

May 23, 2003 Sault Ste. Marie - For more than two years Clara Robinson suffered from a rare, debilitating and potentially life threatening medical condition.

With a final diagnosis came the next challenge - to find and access the best treatment.

In this case the only known treatment facility was out-of-country.

Such a situation can be a huge hurdle for a family with limited resources," said Sault Ste. Marie, MPP Tony Martin today.

"The stress of dealing with my medical condition was certainly high but added to this my husband and I needed to find the resources to access treatment," said Ms. Robinson.

The only known facility in North America that treats Lymphedema is Providence/St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington.

While the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care approved funding for sixty days of inpatient medical treatment there were considerable additional pending costs including transportation, meals, accommodations and personal expenses.

"With the assistance of Mr. Martin and his staff a trust fund was established and an appeal made to the community on behalf of my family and I, so I could receive treatment", said Ms. Robinson.

"Today I wish to publicly thank Tony Martin and his staff, the Sault Fire Fighters Association, Knights of Columbus, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ontarians for Disabilities Group, Ontario Works - Special Needs Program, friends, family and special individuals in the community for their most generous, and in my case, life-saving support," said Ms. Robinson.

"When I was assessed in Olympia I was told that without treatment I would have died within the year from septic shock. While I will never completely recover, my condition has stabilized and can be maintained through regular follow-up. Your help has truly extended my life and for that I am very, very grateful", concluded Robinson.

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