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Tony Martin appeals for help for Sault woman

Sault MPP Tony Martin issued an appeal today on behalf of Clara Robinson, a Sault Ste. Marie resident who requires life-saving medical treatment available only in Olympia, Washington.
TonyMartin

Sault MPP Tony Martin issued an appeal today on behalf of Clara Robinson, a Sault Ste. Marie resident who requires life-saving medical treatment available only in Olympia, Washington.

The following is the full text of a news release issued by Martin today:

******************************************************************* Sault Woman Needs Life-Saving Treatment in U.S.

Sault Ste. Marie resident, Clara Robinson, will travel to Providence/St. Peter Hospital, in Olympia Washington with her husband for treatment of a rare condition known as Lymphedema.

Providence/St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, is the only known facility in North America that treats this disorder.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arms and legs and occasionally in other parts of the body.

Left untreated, Lymphedema leads to loss of functioning of the limbs, skin breakdown, chronic infections and sometimes, irreversible conditions.

Ms. Robinson also suffers from Lipedema, a related condition that is more difficult to treat because it affects the abdomen.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has approved funding for sixty days of in-patient treatment in Washington.

The Ministry will pay for all usual and customary in-patient hospital, physician, pharmacy and laboratory services as well as ancillary treatments and therapies.

In accordance with the Health Insurance Act, the insured amount does not include the cost of travel, food, accommodation and personal expenses.

The family has a limited income and must raise approximately $5,500 to cover the cost of transportation, meals and accommodation.

A trust fund has been set up in Ms. Robinson's name. Tony Martin is appealing to the community on behalf of this family so that Mrs. Robinson may receive this necessary life-saving treatment.

Donations may be made to T.D. Canada Trust, Branch 355, Cambrian Mall, Account #6239544.

Receipts will not be tax deductible due to lack of time to put the legal framework in place.

Backgrounder Sault Ste. Marie, January 17, 2003 Providence/St. Peter Hospital in Olympia Washington is the only known facility in North America that treats patients with severe Lymphedema.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arms and legs and occasionally in other parts of the body.

It can develop when the lymphatic vessels are impaired. When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area.

Left untreated, this stagnant fluid reduces oxygen availability, interferes with wound healing and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in infection. Left untreated, Lymphedema leads to loss of functioning of the limbs, skin breakdown, chronic infections and sometimes, irreversible conditions.

Ms. Robinson also suffers from Lipedema, a related condition that is more difficult to treat because it affects the abdomen.

Her entire lower body has been affected by this disease.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has approved funding for sixty days of in-patient decongestive, multi-disciplinary treatment in Washington.

The costs for this care are estimated at $1,360 U.S. per diem for a maximum of $38,080 U.S. and $206.20 per diem for a maximum of 32 days for a total of $6,598.40, for a total estimated cost of $44,678.40 U.S.

The preceding total represents inclusive payment for all usual in-patient hospital services as well as ancillary treatments and therapies.

In accordance with the Health Insurance Act, the insured amount does not include the cost of medication, food, and accommodation except where provided as part of insured in-patient/out-patient services.

The insured amount also does not cover the cost of transportation.

Some costs Ms. Robinson and her husband will incur include travel insurance plus transportation to and from the airport in Sault Ste. Marie, $342 Canadian.

The shuttle between the airport in Washington and Providence/St. Peter Hospital, $214 U.S.

Expenses for Mr. Robinson's stay at Sunshine House including meals, $280 U.S.

The cost of Ms. Robinson's stay at Sunshine house including meals will total $1,640.

As well, there will be approximately $200 worth of personal expenditures during her stay.

There will be hotel and meal costs upon their return trip. ********************************************************************


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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