Regina resident Jolene Van Alstine has endured years of agonizing pain from a rare thyroid condition called parathyroid hyperplasia. This debilitating illness has caused chronic abdominal pain, bone fractures, nausea, and vomiting, making every day a struggle. Despite a past surgery in 2020, the pain returned, and the severe lack of accessible specialized care in Canada left her feeling utterly hopeless. Facing endless waitlists for endocrinologists—none of whom are accepting new patients—and no clear path to surgery, Jolene was approved for medically assisted death (MAID), scheduled for early 2026, as her only perceived escape from constant suffering.
But a surprising twist has offered a glimmer of hope. American political commentator Glenn Beck learned of Jolene’s plight and immediately took to social media. He publicly offered to pay for her to travel to the United States for the necessary surgery, using her story to highlight what he views as critical issues within “progressive healthcare” systems.
Jolene herself saw Beck’s heartfelt post and quickly responded, confirming her identity and asking if his offer was genuine. Indeed, it was. While challenges remain—like Jolene not currently having a passport—Beck and his team are already working to overcome these hurdles, reportedly even engaging with the State Department to expedite her travel.
This unexpected intervention has swiftly transformed a narrative of despair into one of urgent action and cross-border compassion. As US physicians step forward to offer their help, the focus shifts from a scheduled medically-assisted death to a desperate race against time to secure the life-saving treatment Jolene desperately needs. Her future is still uncertain, but for now, hope has been powerfully rekindled.
Source: https://torontosun.com/news/national/glenn-beck-saskatchewan-woman-surgery-assisted-death
