U.S. Commentator Offers Support for Regina Woman’s Surgery Needs

A Regina woman, Jolene Van Alstine, who has been approved for medical assistance in dying (MAID), is at the center of a developing story as her family seeks surgical intervention for a rare parathyroid disease. Despite her recent approval for MAID, Van Alstine’s family is advocating for access to the necessary surgery that she has been unable to receive in Canada.

Van Alstine is currently being treated at Regina General Hospital, where her family reports that she has endured severe pain for several years. Her partner, Miles Sundeen, has expressed frustration over the difficulties they have faced in securing timely medical care. The situation gained unexpected traction when U.S. political commentator Glenn Beck reached out to offer assistance.

In a surprising turn of events, Beck has been vocal about Van Alstine’s condition on social media platform X, where his posts have reached over a million users. He criticized the Canadian healthcare system and indicated that he is working to arrange for Van Alstine to receive surgery in the United States. Beck has also mentioned contacting officials within U.S. President Donald Trump‘s State Department to facilitate her entry into the country if necessary.

The outreach from Beck has instilled a sense of hope in Van Alstine’s family. Sundeen remarked, “The lady that I have been talking to has been very optimistic and said it’s a very good news situation… so hopefully it will.” This optimism comes alongside the family’s discussions with Saskatchewan’s health minister. They have reportedly been offered an out-of-province referral, which they are currently exploring as an option.

As this situation unfolds, the family remains committed to securing the surgery Van Alstine urgently needs, while also navigating the complexities of both Canadian and U.S. healthcare systems. The involvement of Beck has not only brought national attention to their plight but has also sparked conversations about the challenges within the healthcare framework that patients like Van Alstine face.