MONTREAL — Since Global News first brought the story of single father Richard Lemieux’s struggle to get funding for transport to access live-saving healthcare, there has been an outpouring of support — but not from the hospital or the government.
Despite being born with a severe physical disability, Lemieux said he has rarely has asked for help in his lifetime.
“Last week, in the interview, I said I felt very alone, and all of a sudden, I’m looking at everything now and I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m far from alone.'”
WATCH: A single father is in a desperate fight for life-saving services
The 47-year-old man suffers from diabetes and full kidney failure, and needs three sessions of life-saving dialysis a week at the Lakeshore General Hospital.
The Île Perrot resident turned to Global News last week to tell his story about losing his subsidized transportation to the hospital.
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“It’s kind of scary, scary because if I stopped analysis tomorrow, I’d probably live three weeks.”
Lemieux’s story was shared hundreds of times on social media and it clearly touched many Montrealers.
READ MORE: Outpouring of support for Quebec father who needs life-saving care
Dozens of people in his community contacted him to offer free rides to the Lakeshore and one John Abbott College nursing student even helped him set up an entire transportation schedule.
“She has basically taken over everything and organized all the rides, has somebody coming over to help me clean my home even and people have been bringing us food,” said Lemieux.
“I mean baked goods… can’t ask for anything sweeter than that.”
Lemieux’s daughter said she is relieved to see the outpouring of support for her father and in an attempt to help better adapt their home for his deteriorating health, she set up a crowd-funding page and is already overwhelmed by the outcome. To find out more, click here.
“It feels great to get all these messages from everyone offering their help,” said Sydney-Lee Lemieux.
“It’s sad that it had to come to this for it to happen but better late than never.”
READ MORE: Lack of services for off-island families dealing with disabilities
A prominent malpractice lawyer is deploring the fact that the hospital is not doing its job in this case.
Jean-Pierre Ménard has contacted the Lakeshore General Hospital to demand the hospital and the West Island Health and Social Services Centre restore the Lemieux’s service.
“I sent a letter to them Friday morning,” Ménard said.
“I have not had an answer yet, but we will follow up what is going on with that. We will check what they are doing with that and try to help Mr Lemieux if necessary.”
Quebec’s health minister is also looking into Lemieux’s case.
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