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'Help save Claudette's life': Montpellier, Johnston seeking help so woman can afford costs associated with kidney transplant

Emergency fundraiser planned for Sunday, March 25 to help Claudette Jones with cost of travelling south

She is not even sixty, but Claudette Jones is fifty per cent blind and has had one foot amputated due to complications with diabetes. Living with illness has been difficult and now, her health issues are more challenging than ever. 

She doesn't know if she can afford a kidney transplant that could save her life.

Being so ill, Jones relies on disability benefits through the Canada Pension Plan to get by. When her family doctor told her that she needs a kidney transplant, she didn't know how she would come up with funds to cover accommodation costs after surgery.

CPP health benefits in Ontario cover the transplant but not the expenses related to long recovery when patients travel south.  

"I was swelling, I was retaining a lot of fluid. I wasn't well, and that's when they found out that my kidneys were failing," Jones said. "I met Bob Johnston through my social worker at the dialysis centre for his non-profit organization that he's running with Montpellier; that's how they became involved. I am very grateful, because if it wasn't for them..."

At this point, Jones broke down in tears. One can only wonder what alternatives Jones imagines.

'Cruisin' for Organ Donors' has come to Jones' aid through Bob Johnston, who also struggled with living expenses after receiving a transplant. When he heard that Claudette was struggling, he was moved to help. 

"I was in the hospital one day when I heard this woman's story. I have the same story, except for the vision problem," Johnston said. "The government for us -- on Canada Pension Disability -- does not give us anything. We basically have to rely on family, friends and the community to support us through our journey of a transplant."

With the help of city councillor and Cruisin' for Organs co-director Gerry Montpellier, an emergency fundraiser has been planned for Sunday, March 25. 

Montpellier said that Cruisin' for Donors doesn't usually issue public appeals, but because there's great urgency with regard to Claudette's case, the organization felt they had no choice but to move quickly.

"This is very unusual as we need this help now," he said.

"Normally we knock on doors and companies call us. To the community, I beg you. Now I am begging you, the businesses to support us in donating items and the public, to show support by coming to the auction. (Both) will be helping Claudette live."

The emergency fundraiser will take place at United Steelworkers Hall on Sunday March 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.. A live auction is planned, but items are needed to make it successful. Montpellier is a professional auctioneer who is happy to employ his talent for the event. 

Those wishing to help can also make a donation at the Ukrainian Credit Union on Kathleen Street by referencing "Claudette Jones". 


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Allana McDougall

About the Author: Allana McDougall

Allana McDougall is a new media reporter at Northern Life.
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