Her husband died after a lung transplant. Now she has to sell her home to pay the bills
The tragic story of Verbena Brenton-Goguen, the wife of a lung transplant recipient who passed away in May, highlights the devastating financial impact that life-saving surgeries can have on families. Donald Goguen, a Canadian navy veteran, lost his life due to complications from two lung transplants last year. Verbena not only mourns the loss of her husband but also faces the harsh reality of losing their family home in Springhill, N.S. as a result of the financial strain of seeking treatment in Toronto for 15 months.
The Goguen family’s story is not unique, as two other Nova Scotian families have come forward to share their struggles with the financial burden of accessing lung transplant surgery. While the procedure itself is covered by the province, the accompanying expenses are not, leaving families to bear the brunt of the costs. Verbena and the other families are urging the provincial government to increase funding to cover accommodations for patients and their families during treatment.
Health Minister Michelle Thompson expressed sympathy for the families but stated that the healthcare system is under immense pressure, forcing difficult decisions to be made regarding resource allocation. Lungs are the only organs that cannot be transplanted in Halifax, necessitating patients from the Atlantic region to travel to Toronto and wait for a suitable match. While some provinces offer monthly allowances to assist with expenses, Nova Scotia’s program falls short of the actual cost of living in Toronto for an extended period.
Verbena shared the heartbreaking experience of selling their car, ATV, and taking out a loan to cover expenses while Donald was receiving care. Despite their sacrifices, they were forced to sell their family home following his passing. The financial struggles continued when the province denied Verbena an allowance to cover rent after she returned home, citing her husband’s death as the reason.
The Clarkes, another family who faced similar challenges, sent a bill to the premier for nearly $35,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for accommodations during Nan Clarke’s transplant. The claim was denied, prompting concerns about the accessibility of life-saving procedures for those who cannot afford the associated costs.
Minister Thompson acknowledged the difficulties faced by families in such situations but emphasized that the out-of-province allowance is meant to assist with expenses rather than cover them entirely. While Nova Scotia covers some travel expenses for the patient’s support person, the families advocate for a more comprehensive financial support system for transplant patients.
Despite the challenges they have faced, Verbena and the Clarkes remain determined to advocate for change and share their experiences with policymakers. They believe that their loved ones would have wanted improvements to be made to ensure equitable access to medical care for all patients. Their resilience and determination highlight the urgent need for reform in the healthcare system to support families facing critical illnesses and seeking life-saving treatments.
