#WEGOTLOUD Spotlight on Jim Wilson

Nominated by: Beth and Madi Vanstone

Elected Official’s Name: Jim Wilson

Riding: Simcoe - Grey, Ontario Provincial Parliament

How did they Get Loud?:
To kick-off the CF Get Loud Spotlight campaign, I couldn’t help but go waaaay back to the beginning and shine the light on my MPP Jim Wilson. Jim has been walking alongside CF Patients since our initial battle for Kalydeco 2012. He has continued to show himself to be a caring, compassionate man who has not been afraid to stand up for what he has believed is right despite politics. Jim played an integral role in helping Madi and I secure reimbursement for Kalydeco. However Jim did not stop there, understanding the need for our community to have access to CF modulators Jim, Madi and I met with another local family also fighting for access to Orkambi and has supported that battle as well, by continuing to bring the issue up to the Minister of Health in Queens Park giving a voice to CF families.

Madi and I have continued to work with Jim and he continues to show his commitment to our community. He recently wrote a letter to The Prime Minister, Canada’s Minister of Health, Provincial and Territorial Ministers and Health Ministers, as well as participating federal/provincial Territorial Drug Plan Managers expressing the need for quick negotiations for modulators currently stalled at the pCPA.

Jim has re-committed to working with us to encourage the government and bureaucrats to effectively negotiate Trikafta and avoid the delays seen with the previous modulators are not repeated with Trikafta.

I have told Jim on several occasions I feel that Madi is here living her best life thanks to him and I know Sasha and Jaimie Laroque are also thankful for the commitment Jim has made to our CF Community and his efforts to raise their voices with regards to Orkambi.

Thank you Jim for all you have done and continue to do!!

Sincerely,

Beth and Madi Vanstone