Revlimid Commences

The Nova Scotia government has decided to make Revlimid available to all Nova Scotians who are in need of it and who cannot afford it. This has been a long time in coming and it is my sincere wish that those who need it will benefit from its use.

I have had calls from Nova Scotians wanting access to Revlimid and I have passed on information to the callers. I suggest that you speak to your oncologists to see if you will benefit from its use and your oncologist will be aware of the application process.

I commenced use of Revlimid on May 1, 2010 as today is my mother's birthday. My mother would want me to stand up for the rights and benefits of other Nova Scotians and Canadians
and as a faithful son that is what I would do regardless of the consequences.

I want to also thank everyone who wrote letters to the heath department in Nova Scotia and many Canadians for the hundreds of encouraging letters and emails I have received from you.

Your generosity has fueled my passion and made my resolve non-negotiable where lives of Canadians and Nova Scotians are involve.

I want to thank the members of my church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, for their prayers and support an in particular my friend Leeman David and the Kings, a men's support group of our church, who meet monthly in the parlour.

Of course I praise Jesus for his influence in my life -- always being there when I need him. He is bold and he's brave and he watches over me as in Psalm 91, my mother's favourite Psalm, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty . . ."

Yesterday, I took one pill and when I awoke this morning my voice was back to normal -- I wasn't soprano any more but baritone once again. However temporary, this improvement may be, I'll take it for as long as it lasts.

Sincerely,

Frank

Left click photo to enlarge.

Revlimid Now Available in Nova Scotia

For years Frank Boyd has battled to get Revlimid used in Nova Scotia and at great and enormous self sacrifice it has finally happened. This is thanks also to the many supporters across Canada and the United States, who through CTV's W5 took enough interest to let their feels show tp politicians across the land.

Who says Canadians cannot unite when are principles values and our beliefs are challenged by anyone?

I understand the new arrangement means that anyone in financial need may access revlimid for their use.
Many doubted that it could be done, but there's a core of activists in Canada who will not be denied. The process to access the drug is rapid and both Celgene Corporation and the Myeloma Canada as well as those in the Nova Scotia government and those involved in "The Time to Live Campaign" I should thank for living up to Canada's Medicare principles. In particular I want to thank the host, producers researchers, and technicians of CTV'sW5 for challenging all of us by producing this program: "Pills, Patients and Profits." A job well done.

Please do not sit back on our small victories keep looking ahead because the cost of health will not get any less expensive and we need to be ready when we must move forward again. Congratulations Nova Scotia!

Frank Boyd

Right Click photo to enlarge