Beverly Andrews
APTN News
A group gathered outside the office of the Trillium Gift of Life Network Friday in support of Delilah Saunders receiving a liver transplant that she will die without.
“We just want to show Delilah and her family that we care and that we are going to put as much pressure as we can on the people who can affect the decisions that are affecting her life,” said supporter Audra Mitchell.
Saunders, 26, is a land and water advocate, as well as a voice for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Her sister, Loretta Saunders, was murdered several years ago in Nova Scotia.
She was denied a transplant due to Tylenol and alcohol consumption but supporters say she had struggled since her sister’s murder.
“I think she represents all of these problems affecting so many Indigenous women,” said Mitchell.
Saunders’ family said she is in good spirits but has not improved and is in a Toronto hospital. They are asking Trillium to reconsider its policy.
Another rally was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
APTN caught up to Premier Dwight Ball.
“She is an inspiration for many young people in our province. For us we are disappointed with the policy and we’re certainly hopeful, but I know the policy is under review and for Delilah,” said Ball
Precedent setting. If one person with a history of substance abuse is accepted on the list of recipients for a liver transplant recipients, then they can no longer refuse others with similar histories of substance abuse either. I am anxiously awaiting the results of this issue.
Precedent setting. If one person with a history of substance abuse is accepted on the list of recipients for a liver transplant recipients, then they can no longer refuse others with similar histories of substance abuse either. I am anxiously awaiting the results of this issue.