Tuesday, February 3, 2026
ADVT 
National

Mother of girl with rare disease says "nightmare is over" after B.C. restores funding

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Jul, 2025 10:50 AM
  • Mother of girl with rare disease says

The mother of a 10-year-old Vancouver Island girl who has an extremely rare disease says the "nightmare is over" after the government restored funding for her daughter's drug for as long as she needs it. 

Charleigh Pollock is the only person in B.C. to have Batten disease, and her mother Jori Fales says in a social post that she is "beyond grateful" for "all the beautiful humans that have moved mountains" for her daughter.

Pollock says the "love, support, generosity, compassion, kindness and devotion" shown by supporters of her daughters are "unmatched." 

Health Minister Josie Osborne announced on Thursday that the government has restored funding for the drug Brineura, which costs about $1 million per year.

Government had cut off funding last month, citing an expert committee that said the drug was no longer helping to slow the progress of the girl's disease.

Premier David Eby acknowledged on Thursday that a letter from a different group of experts in the United States had raised concern about the decision, and Osborne said the girl and her family should not suffer because of a "significant disagreement" among experts.   

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race
Dr. Jonathan Kerr says he will officially launch his campaign on Saturday with an event in Courtenay.

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit
Attendees enjoyed live music and entertainment across four stages, an Indigenous Village and marketplace, over 30 food trucks, amusement rides, and a fireworks finale.

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit

Canada launches measures to support those affected by 2025 wildfires

Canada launches measures to support those affected by 2025 wildfires
 Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced special measures to help people and communities affected by wildfires.

Canada launches measures to support those affected by 2025 wildfires

Bus attempts to avoid crash with vehicle, collides with traffic pole in Surrey, B.C.

Bus attempts to avoid crash with vehicle, collides with traffic pole in Surrey, B.C.
Police say the investigation is still in its early stages but they have confirmed the out-of-service bus was travelling north on 132 Street when a vehicle heading west from 88 Avenue entered the intersection.

Bus attempts to avoid crash with vehicle, collides with traffic pole in Surrey, B.C.

Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure

Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure
"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.

Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure

Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn different parts of Canada

Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn different parts of Canada
The BC Wildfire Service reports that crews are battling more than 70 wildfires in British Columbia, with one particularly intense wildfire near the community of Lytton, having led to a local state of emergency and several evacuation orders.

Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn different parts of Canada