'I officially received Trikafta': Ottawa woman with cystic fibrosis receives life-saving medication
A 23-year-old Ottawa woman with cystic fibrosis received a life-saving medication this week, and is now vowing to continue to fight until every single CF patient has it "in their hands."
Last week, CTV News Ottawa introduced you to Sara Aldrich, who said her private medical insurance would not cover the $300,000 a year cost for the drug Trikafta. Trikafta is approved for use in Canada, but is not covered by her private insurance.
In a post on Facebook, Aldrich said she was notified by OHIP+ last week that her application to cover the cost of the drug had been approved.
"I am nearly 24 years old, realizing that as of today, I never have to live another day with the fear of how many days I have left," said Aldrich in a post on Tuesday. "The day has come. I OFFICIALLY RECEIVED TRIKAFTA."
Cystic Fibrosis Canada called Trikafta "the biggest innovation in cystic fibrosis treatment", adding it can treat up to 90 per cent of Canadians with cystic fibrosis.
“My lung function is the lowest it’s ever been, and I can’t see it ever going back up unless I get Trikafta," said Aldrich last week.
Aldrich was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age, and has lived a mostly active life.
"I’ve watched my lung function go from the 90s to the 40s in 3 years. I’ve been told that there are no options left," said Aldrich on Facebook. "The only thing left that could possibly save me from a life ending before it has even begun is the miracle drug called Trikafta."
Aldrich says receiving Trikafta starts her journey of, "finally being able to accomplish all the goals I have set out for myself."
"As much as I would like to say that this is the best day of my life, truth is, it’s bitter sweet. While I have the medication that will save those with CF, I still watch my brother struggle with the same issues I have been dealing with over the years," said Aldrich.
"My brother is someone that I have always looked up to, and if I’m honest, he’s more deserving of this medication than I am. The harsh reality is that I sit here BEGGING for insurance companies to approve this drug for EVERYONE with Cystic Fibrosis. If you think I’m done fighting just because I got trikafta, you’re wrong. My big brother, my best friend, my hero is also in NEED of this medication. As well as thousands of others. And I will NOT stop until every single CF patient has it in their hands."
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Peter Szperling
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed Thursday in Nepean dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Mexican authorities say thieves killed 2 Australians and an American to steal their truck
Thieves killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip to Mexico in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the tires, authorities said Sunday.