Monday, February 2, 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

First Nations chiefs worry Bills 5 and C-5 will enable environmental destruction

First Nations chiefs worry Bills 5 and C-5 will enable environmental destruction
Nine Ontario First Nations want the court to declare the federal law known as Bill C-5 and the Ontario law known as Bill 5 unconstitutional and are seeking an injunction that would prevent the governments from using some of the most contentious aspects.

First Nations chiefs worry Bills 5 and C-5 will enable environmental destruction

Surrey reports 53% above first-year target in Housing Target Progress Report

Surrey reports 53% above first-year target in Housing Target Progress Report
During the reporting period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the City granted occupancy to a total of 6,488 net new units -- 53% above the first-year target of 4,233 net new units.

Surrey reports 53% above first-year target in Housing Target Progress Report

Surveyor working east of Mission, B.C., hit and killed by dump truck

Surveyor working east of Mission, B.C., hit and killed by dump truck
RCMP the man was working in the community of Hatzic on Tuesday when the dump truck hit him and he died at the scene. 

Surveyor working east of Mission, B.C., hit and killed by dump truck

RCMP arrest alleged hijacker at Vancouver airport after airspace shut down

RCMP arrest alleged hijacker at Vancouver airport after airspace shut down
RCMP in Richmond, B.C., say in a statement that a report came in just after 1 p.m. Tuesday about a Cessna that "had been hijacked" and was on its way to Vancouver.

RCMP arrest alleged hijacker at Vancouver airport after airspace shut down

Wildfires show why CBC needs public safety mandate: researcher

Wildfires show why CBC needs public safety mandate: researcher
The report says other public media around the world are incorporating national emergency preparedness and crisis response into their role, and recommends that aspect of the CBC’s mandate be formalized and strengthened.

Wildfires show why CBC needs public safety mandate: researcher

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs
The prime minister toured a steel manufacturing company in Hamilton before announcing a suite of measures to protect the Canadian steel industry.

Canada to target steel originating from China with new tariffs