Friday, February 6, 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

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Ottawa before the G7 in Alberta

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Ottawa before the G7 in Alberta
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Ottawa between June 14 and 15 ahead of the G7 summit in Alberta next week.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Ottawa before the G7 in Alberta

Luxembourg opens Ottawa embassy as Canada shifts its attention to Europe

Luxembourg opens Ottawa embassy as Canada shifts its attention to Europe
Luxembourg is officially opening an embassy in Ottawa as the small European nation moves to expand its economy beyond financial services.

Luxembourg opens Ottawa embassy as Canada shifts its attention to Europe

Heat eases in parts of B.C., persists in Interior, as more temperature records fall

Heat eases in parts of B.C., persists in Interior, as more temperature records fall
Environment Canada has lifted special weather statements about a record-breaking hot spell for much of the province, including Metro Vancouver and Victoria.

Heat eases in parts of B.C., persists in Interior, as more temperature records fall

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney
B.C. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney Wednesday morning to push back against the decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta next week.

Liberal MP criticizes Modi's G7 invitation in meeting with Prime Minister Carney

Wildfire looming over Squamish, B.C., gets within 40 metres of homes

Wildfire looming over Squamish, B.C., gets within 40 metres of homes
The fire chief in Squamish, B.C., says an out-of-control wildfire threatening neighbourhoods is within 40 metres of some homes as debris from burning trees falls near properties.

Wildfire looming over Squamish, B.C., gets within 40 metres of homes

Carney's 'Canada Strong Pass' to come into effect on June 20

Carney's 'Canada Strong Pass' to come into effect on June 20
The federal government is set to announce details of its promised "Canada Strong Pass" next week and the tourism initiative is expected to take effect later this month.

Carney's 'Canada Strong Pass' to come into effect on June 20