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

Poilievre wants Carney to cash out blind trust, says ethics screens insufficient

Poilievre wants Carney to cash out blind trust, says ethics screens insufficient
Carney set up a blind trust after he was sworn in as prime minister in March and the details of how it works were made public on Friday.

Poilievre wants Carney to cash out blind trust, says ethics screens insufficient

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'
The president sent Carney a letter late last week saying Canada will face a 35 per cent tariff rate after Aug. 1, while other letters Trump shared over the weekend only talk about a 30 per cent tariff with Mexico and the European Union. 

Cabinet to meet Tuesday as Trump says 35% tariff letter is 'the deal'

Police search for group of migrants after vehicle collision near Canada-U.S. border

Police search for group of migrants after vehicle collision near Canada-U.S. border
He says four people from the migrants' vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while between six and eight fled the scene on foot.

Police search for group of migrants after vehicle collision near Canada-U.S. border

Woman severely burned by substance in 'intentional act' in Langley, B.C., police say

Woman severely burned by substance in 'intentional act' in Langley, B.C., police say
A statement issued by Langley RCMP says officers responded to a report of woman in distress along a stretch of the Fraser Highway lined with businesses near the city's downtown area at about 6:35 p.m. on Saturday.

Woman severely burned by substance in 'intentional act' in Langley, B.C., police say

Wildfire near Princeton golf course in B.C. prompts evacuation order

Wildfire near Princeton golf course in B.C. prompts evacuation order
The BC Wildfire Service said the August Lake wildfire, which is burning close to Princeton Golf Club, is now mapped at 14 hectares in size.

Wildfire near Princeton golf course in B.C. prompts evacuation order

Cyclist dead after collision during GrandFondo ride: RCMP

Cyclist dead after collision during GrandFondo ride: RCMP
Mounties say one cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after they were struck by a car on White Lake Road near St. Andrew's Drive during the annual Okanagan GrandFondo ride. 

Cyclist dead after collision during GrandFondo ride: RCMP