It’s Variety Week on Global BC and we’re highlighting stories from children and families around the province who have been helped by Variety.
Variety Week on Global BC – Day 1
Global News Morning:
Sisters Karissa and Kaelyn both have special needs – Karissa suffers from a large tumor in her neck, and Kaelyn suffers from chronic seizures. On last year’s Show of Hearts Telethon, the sisters were given a princess makeover, and surprised with a trip to Disneyland.
Variety Week on Global BC – Day 2
Global News at Noon:
White Spot Executive Chef, Danny Markowicz is joined by Variety Ambassador Ryan – a young boy who has severe food anxiety which has been treated with the help of Variety. Although he will probably not eat any of the food, he is now very comfortable cooking in the kitchen! A food therapist will be in the studio as well, discussing food anxieties like Ryan’s.
Variety Week on Global BC – Day 3
Global Early News:
Catherine Urquart is working on a story for Variety Week on technology & autism, and the soon-to-be-open Pacific Autism Family Centre.
Global News Hour:
Six-year-old Andrei was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and has to give himself 6-8 needles each and every day. His parents are both independent contractors, and have no extended medical coverage. The province’s Fair Pharmacare program covers eligible medications and medical expenses, but families must reach a deductible limit first before they get coverage, and often that deductible amount is close to $2000. Diabetic supplies can cost $500 per month, so families have to pay out of their pocket until they reach their deductible limit – something a lot of families can’t afford.
Variety has stepped in to cover Andrei’s deductible, but his grant is only for a year. Fair Pharmacare limits reset in January every calendar year, so families have to start all over again, working towards reaching that deductible.