The Times Advocate, 2005-11-16, Page 3434
Exeter Times—Advocate
Wednesday,November 16, 2005
Cancer patients meet with Mitchell
Four Huron County residents with multiple myeloma recently presented a peti-
tion to Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell concerning drug plan coverage of
"Smart Drugs" to treat cancer. From left are Jim Barnes of Brussels,Agnes Aunger
of Exeter, John Snell of Clinton, Mitchell and Bruce Coleman of Exeter.The peti-
tion, containing over 2,700 signatures, is addressed to the Parliament of Ontario,
various MPPs and key members of the government. (photolsubmitted)
(Editor's note: the following story was options left they started writing letters
submitted by Bruce and Marjorie and getting signatures on a petition ask -
Coleman of Exeter) ing our provincial government through
CLINTON — When a group of patients the Ontario Drug Plan to make Velcade (a
from Southwestern Ontario with the can- new "smart" intravenous drug) available
cer multiple myeloma had no treatment to them through an application by their
oncologist.
Even though Velcade (bortezomib) was
approved by Health Canada in January
2005 for use as third line treatment for
multiple myeloma, Velcade to date is still
not available through the Ontario Drug
Plan and it appears it will be many more
months before it will be, because of gov-
ernment bureaucracy.
There are new "Smart Drugs" now
being introduced to treat various types of
cancers with great success, however it
takes many months and sometimes years
to get them available to patients through
the provincial Health Plan.
Some of these "Smart Drugs" are
becoming available at the new private
Provis Clinic in Toronto or by going out of
the country.
The problem for the majority is that the
costs are prohibitive. For instance, the
new drug Velcade to treat multiple
myeloma costs approximately $50,000.
Recently a lady has said that she has laid
out of pocket about $250,000 to get a
new drug not yet available in Canada to
treat colorectal cancer.
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that
concentrates in the bone marrow eating
holes in the bones causing them to
become weak and brittle. Along with
other problems, kidneys can also fail.
There are approximately 6,200 people
in Canada with multiple myeloma; 2,500
of those are in Ontario fighting this can-
cer.
Next year it is estimated another 800
will be diagnosed in Ontario.
Huron County is an area that has an
apparently higher than average number
of people with multiple myeloma. While
this used to be basically a near retire-
ment age cancer, it is now being diag-
nosed in people in their 30s and 40s. A
possible link may exist with environmen-
tal air pollution.
Bruce and Marjorie Coleman, who
attend the London and District Multiple
Myeloma Support Group, took on the
challenge in the Huron County area to
obtain signatures on a petition addressed
to the Parliament of Ontario as well as
letters to various MPPs and key govern-
ment people. They know the day is com-
ing when Bruce will be out of treatment
options and will require the drug
Velcade.
When the Cancer Advocacy Coalition in
Canada gave the multiple myeloma com-
munity their support, a new petition was
drafted to encompass all cancers. This
new petition has also been circulated.
Many family members, friends and
acquaintances have helped in obtaining
signatures.
New entrance makes hospital accessible to all
By Scott Nixon
TIMES -ADVOCATE STARF
EXETER — A new $70,000 entrance at South Huron
Hospital means the entrance is now accessible to all
patients and visitors.
The hospital unveiled its new entrance last week with
an official ribbon cutting. The new entrance includes a
wheelchair -accessible ramp, new automatic doors and a
wider vestibule. Also, electrical wiring in the cement
under the ramp, steps and sidewalk will ensure there
will be no ice or snow build-up in the winter. The
municipality also put in a new sidewalk in front of the
hospital.
Hospital CEO Debra Hunt called the new entrance "a
very special project" for the hospital, explaining that it
now makes the front entrance accessible to everyone,
including those in wheelchairs and moms with strollers.
Previously, those visitors to the hospital had to go
through the emergency entrance. Hunt said concerns
about the entrance have been voiced in the past.
Hunt said despite the fact the hospital did no public
campaigning for funds, people donated spontaneously
and about half the project's cost was covered by dona-
tions.
Hospital board chairperson Glenn Bartlett said last
week the hospital wants to meet the needs of everyone
and the new entrance is long overdue.
"This is a great day for South Huron," he said.
Hospital Foundation chairperson Matt Clarke thanked
all the donors, noting the hospital has an "uphill climb"
to raise money.
The positive effect the new accessible entrance will
have was exemplified by Exeter's Denise Halpermy, a
An official ribbon cutting marking the new accessible entrance at South Huron Hospital was held last week.
Major donors to the $70,000 project helped hospital CEO Debra Hunt, second from left, and Hospital
Foundation chairperson Matt Clarke, far right, cut the ribbon. From left are George Godbolt (donation by
Clarica on Godbolt's behalf for his induction into the Clarica Hall of Fame), Hunt, Marion Frayne (donation in
memory of Stan Frayne), Don Webster of Exeter's Lebanon Masonic Forest Lodge #I33 and Chapter 222 of
the Eastern Star, John Wuerth (donation in memory of Ray Wuerth) and Clarke. (photo/Scott Nixon)
Masks already earned coveted spot at Hockey Hall of Fame
EXETER — MacLeans Source For Sports has teamed
up with some big name celebrities in sports and enter-
tainment to offer fans in Exeter and area a chance to
own a unique piece of memorabilia.
Gary MacLean from MacLeans Source For Sports is
inviting the community to get behind the cause to make
a difference for spinal cord injury prevention and
research.
The Source For Sports One -Of -A -Kind Mask Auction
started Nov. 4.
On the block are Itech goalie masks hand painted
and/or signed by: The Rolling Stones, Wayne Gretzky,
Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and eight World Poker
stars.
The masks are on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame
in Toronto, and are featured at
www.sourceforsports.com/maskauction, where bidding
is underway.
The auction, which runs to Dec. 3, is part of Shoot For
A Cure month at MacLeans Source For Sports, with the
proceeds from the masks and other events going to the
charity, which seeks to prevent and cure spinal cord
injuries.
former hospital employee who suffers from multiple
sclerosis.
Halpenny, who helped the hospital design the new
entrance said that while she keeps a positive outlook on
life, "physical barriers" are frustrating. She said every
time a stair is removed, it takes away a barrier for her
and everyone with a disability.
"This is a huge help for everyone," she said, adding
that accessible entrances are something that should be
installed automatically whenever a new building is built.
Hospital environmental services co-ordinator Leroy
Edwards said he has always wanted to make the hospi-
tal accessible. He said the new automatic doors open
with the flow of traffic, so those going through the doors
don't have to back up for the doors to open. The doors
also give people lots of time to go through.
An electric eye and temperature sensors will deter-
mine when the in -ground heating will turn on.
PET ADOPTION BULLETIN
Huron OSPCA (Ontario Humane Society)
Hugo is a male, neutered, domestic
short -haired cat. He is around 1
year old and just a lovely boy.
Hugo is laid back and enjoys his
naps as you can tell from this
photo. He has been vet checked
and healthy. Hugo is a little shy of
other cats, but is becoming more
comfortable all the time. He
definitely likes humans.
HUGO
Contact the Huron OSPCA at 519-440-0250
• Open Mon. -Sat. 9-4 at 5 North St. Goderich
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.huronspca.ca
to see all the dogs and cats who need loving homes!
SPONSORED BY GeoShack Canada Ltd. 240 Thames Rd. W. EXETER
Avon«goo,' Request for Proposals
Maitland
, tw.uu aat.aaytr�ln�...
To Conduct Focus Group Research
The Avon Maitland District School Board is seeking
proposals from individuals or organizations with
experience and expertise to conduct occasional focus
groups with students, staff, parents and members of
the community on a variety of issues dealing with
public education.
Deadline for proposal submission is:
12:00 Noon December 17, 2005
For more information call 519-527-0111 ext. 106
Proposals will be accepted by fax at 519-527-0244
or by email at info@fc.amdsb.ca
OEOFF WILUAMS
Director of Education
www.yourschools.ca
MEG WESTLEY
Chair