Jolene Van Alstine faced an impossible choice: endure years of excruciating pain from a rare thyroid disease, or seek medical assistance in dying. Approved for MAID in Saskatchewan, her story became a desperate plea for help, a testament to the agonizing wait for specialized care.
The source of Jolene’s suffering is a rare form of parathyroid hyperplasia, causing debilitating abdominal pain, relentless nausea, and recurring bone fractures. Years after an initial surgery offered only temporary relief, the pain returned with a vengeance, stealing her hope and leaving her fearing each day might be her last.
Her husband, Miles Sundeen, described a growing hopelessness, a fear that Jolene wouldn’t even make it home from work. The Canadian healthcare system, stretched thin, offered no immediate solution; specialists were unavailable, and wait times for referrals stretched into years.
A potential path to relief existed in the United States, but the cost of surgery was insurmountable. Adding to the frustration, a clinic in Florida refused to even consider her case without a referral from a Saskatchewan endocrinologist – a referral she couldn’t obtain, as no specialists were accepting new patients.
Facing a future of unrelenting pain, Jolene applied for and was approved for medical assistance in dying. It wasn’t a desire to end her life, but a desperate attempt to control her suffering when all other avenues had been exhausted.
The story resonated with American political commentator Glenn Beck, who publicly offered to cover the cost of Jolene’s surgery in the U.S. He framed it as a stark example of the consequences of a healthcare system failing its citizens, a situation he vowed to help rectify.
Within hours, Jolene responded, confirming her identity and expressing disbelief at the offer. A wave of hope surged through the couple as Beck connected them with potential surgeons and began navigating the logistical hurdles.
A new obstacle quickly emerged: Jolene and Miles lacked the necessary passports for travel. Beck’s team immediately reached out to the U.S. State Department, reportedly receiving a positive response from officials connected to former President Donald Trump.
The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of life-saving surgery now within reach. Whether Jolene will ultimately need to proceed with MAID hinges on the speed with which care can be secured, a race against time fueled by compassion and a desperate desire for a second chance.
