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Donations flood in for Sarah Burke's family
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CTVNews.ca Staff
Date: Fri. Jan. 20 2012 10:02 PM ET
Sarah Burke's family says it has not yet received a bill from the Utah hospital where the freestyle skier underwent surgery before she died Thursday, but that a flood of donations has ensured they "will not have any financial burden related to her care."
A website for donations, giveforward.com/sarahburke, was set up by Burke's agent Michael Spencer, who set a fundraising goal of $550,000 for medical costs and "related expenses."
A statement issued through the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association on Friday clarified that Burke's medical expenses would likely be around $200,000, although her family has not received a bill yet from the University Hospital in Salt Lake City, where the 29-year-old was treated after she crashed during training.
"Based on early estimates, total charges for Sarah's care are expected to be approximately $200,000. Once charges are finalized, the University will work with Health Canada to determine what type of coverage may be available and what their contribution will be, as Sarah is a Canadian citizen," the statement says.
"Because of the donations in the last day, it is now clear that Sarah's family will not have any financial burden related to her care."
The statement goes on to say that further contributions will be used to establish a foundation to "honor Sarah's legacy and promote the ideals she valued and embodied."
Burke sustained a fatal injury in what has been described as a freak accident during a training run at the Eagle Superpipe at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah on Jan. 10. The event was sponsored by Monster Energy Company.
Some of Burke's fans and fellow athletes are wondering why Monster Energy isn't helping her family cover the medical costs.
Former Canadian Olympian Marnie McBean tweeted Friday: "Why isn't @MonsterEnergy paying #SarahBurke's medical bill? Where's their insurance & support now?"
Her questions were echoed by many others on Twitter and Facebook, with some users suggesting the company has a moral responsibility to help Burke's family.
In response to questions about Burke's insurance coverage, the CFSA issued a statement saying association athletes and coaches are insured for all activities that fall within the Canadian team program, whether here or abroad.
However, "the inclusion into the Olympic Games Sport program has produced a period where halfpipe and slope style skiers are transitioning from being wholly independent professional athletes to members of full-service national team programs," the statement says.
"There are occasions where athletes are involved in private sponsor training, photo shoots and events which operate outside of the National Team program and mandate."
It is not known whether Monster Energy had a policy in place to cover hospital bills for injuries sustained in its events. When contacted by CTV News Friday, the company refused to comment. It has posted a photo of Burke on its website, with the message: "Best wishes to Sarah Burke and her family. We love you Sarah!"
Burke, considered a trailblazer for her sport, underwent extensive surgery but imaging later showed she had suffered serious brain damage due to a torn artery that cut off the flow of oxygen to her brain.
The British Columbia Ministry of Health says it will cover a small portion of Burke's medical bills. Burke hailed from Barrie, Ont., but lived in Squamish, B.C.
"While temporarily absent from B.C., our Medical Services Plan (MSP) will help reimburse unexpected medical services received anywhere in the world, provided the services are medically required, rendered by a licensed physician and normally insured by MSP," the B.C. Ministry of Health said in an emailed statement.
However, it noted that coverage for out-of-country medical services is limited to MSP fee rates and that the province only pays up to $75 per day for in-patient hospital services – much lower than the typical cost of care outside Canada.
The ministry also said it has not been contacted by Burke's family or the CFSA.
"However, we have been in touch with the University of Utah Health Care Center to notify them of the coverage we would provide," it said.
The fundraising website describes Burke as a "legendary athlete, role model and an inspiration" and says she was Canada's first competitive female freeskier who successfully lobbied the Winter X Games to include women in the freeskiing discipline.
And it was her work lobbying sporting associations and advocating for the sport, the site says, that led to freeskiing's inclusion in the 2014 Sochi Olympics -- an event where she was expected to have been a favourite.
"Her accomplishments on skis continue to inspire girls everywhere to believe in themselves and follow their hearts," the site says.
"Her passing is not a cause to pack up our skis, but rather a reason to step-in and ski for Sarah and the dreams that inspired her star to shine."
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I feel that if certain organs were in demand, less effort would be made to revive people. Am I being silly? Not really. I had a bad experience in hospital when my heart stopped, the doctors tried to revive me and failed. They stopped and said I was gone. I came around on my own when the nurse was giving a final BP reading of 'zero'. I heard her declare me dead! It was all I could do to shake my head but they never caught on til I was able to open my eyes. You should have seen them scramble then! I thought the nurse was going to faint. The thing is, I think we may write people off too soon when there is something of value to be gained from them.
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KM
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Mark in Newmarket
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Katy
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PAM
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Judy
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jb
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MARG MM
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sophie
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Pat OBrien
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Russ Polhill
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cgd
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Ted from Toronto
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Matty
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SW
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CC
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AJ
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Dumbfounded
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As for Sarah's family my sympathies for your loss, she was a shining star taken too soon.
I would rather pay for her medical bills as I am sure she has paid taxes into the system!! I will offer to pay hers before someone who has never contributed a dime into our economy.
nwskeptic
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wolfeden
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T.K. Sutherland
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will
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Sara
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N
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JD
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I can not believe anyone is projecting negative opinions towards the situation. The whole concept of donation is if you feel compelled you can contribute to help. The fact that an unpreventable freak accident can ring up a bill that enormous within days is sickening.
Capitalism is awful. A system that only caters to the disgustingly rich. Which does not account for very many people. I hope change is in the horizon.
myheartsadancer
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I understand if you get hospitalized or treated outside of Canada, you still get coverage based on your provincial health plan. What about her life and extra medical insurance? She should have those, most importantly based on her situation.
Why is the family immediately asking for donations without examining the financial obligations from those 3 sources mentioned. How about her sponsors and the Olympic association?
Sudden death is a stressful time for the family which I happened to experience. I barely could afford the funeral and I had no other sources available to me which would be available for Sarah, but I did not ask for donations.
Mar
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D. Vanoouver
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Adam in Ottawa
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Sens/Habs Fan - Ottawa
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dan
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Bruce
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Dave. T.
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Canadian Bob
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Leanna
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aj
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christina
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If Sarah Burke was in the USA specifically as part of a Canadian contingent, or formally with a specific organization, one would think this issue would have been addressed prior to ever crossing the border. Clearly it was not.
Did she have life insurance? Wouldn't that possibly cover her medical costs in the US? i pray the Burkes will receive sufficient donations to cover this huge medical bill. Once again we have a clear example why no one should ever step outside of Canada without adequate health insurance.
MJE
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Jell-Oh
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Graeme
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Stewie
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MikeW
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NS
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ER
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Bumblebee
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BC Boy
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Ben Van Lunteren
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that alberta guy
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James
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manager
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F.Picher
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Downey
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Bally
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Mike
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halfpipe
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Linda in Vancouver
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kelly hewlett
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Chris, Alberta
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About face
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lr
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this is so stupid
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MJ
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Gabrielle from Montreal
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Peter
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Doug ^^^ BC
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Jamie Morrow
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DANIEL H
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that alberta guy
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music
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unbelieveable
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johnnn
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hgushee
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Gord.,Nova Scotia
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roy
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Bob in YYC
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Nicole
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James
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karyT
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Dave
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One writer got it right, we shouldn't bad mouth the "for asking" part.
I'm on of those "drowning-in-debt" canadians... should I just "ask" for donations - no harm in "asking".
The other writer got it right too. CTV should do some investigative reporting and assure potential donors they are contributing to the right place and not some "scammer" preying on us through emotional responses.
Rev in VC
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Lynn H.
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Ben Van Lunteren
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snowboo
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Cdn
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MiggsVer2.0
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terri
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janet
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kkay
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Marco Jardim
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If you could help, I am sure the family would appreciate the support. Thank You.
Pags
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Im sure people will donate to help out but i hope no govt money is provided.
CYL
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rat-ripper
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mashoud
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Seriously, there is something seriously wrong with a country that is absorbed with looting the sick and the vulnerable.
I think it is not only immoral, it is akin to extortion. It is not only unjustifiable and grossly immoral, it reflects the general ethics of the people that expect such grossly inflated fees for whatever skills or services they provide.
It makes me angry because the U.S. continually preaches to the world its sense of fairness...Fairness my foot.
Bloody terrorists !!
Duncan Dan
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that alberta guy
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Mar
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Stunned
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Jay gold
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USA Debbie
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As far as the insurance/bills thing....I'd check it out before donating. It sounds like the biggest scam. I'll bet the family doesn't even know about it. It is unheard of that an athlete of her caliber is not insured. Not to mention the fact that in the US there is NO WAY they know in 24 hours what the bills are going to be. Those bills will trickle in for 6 months from a dozen different doctors and departments. Do you really even think the family is worried about her hospital bills at this point?
MARG MM
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CW
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Cheryl
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mining guy Jim
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Charlie
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Elizabeth
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DENYSE @ DAVE BOSSI
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V Lawson
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Rev
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Jim - North Saanich, BC
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that alberta guy
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geebee
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Dorothy
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Norm_D
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Joe Canadian
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John Lethbridge
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Anne
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Jim Stackhouse
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Your determination and belief in the sport was such a high energy level. You have cleared the way for future female athletes and you made the ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts are with your husband and family during this most difficult time.
Such a tragedy to be taken at such a young age. God Speed and keep skiing
Riley
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Daniel
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Maureen
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dorian
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Jay
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John Lethbridge
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canali
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Mike Beard
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glen
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JIMB
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I am a skier. I have admired and respected what Sarah has done for our skiing community for the last ten plus years. My life in skiing has grown along the same time line as her career and achievements. I will donate to a Sarah Burke Skier Development fund that will be set up in her honor, in the future. I'm sure she would have wanted nothing more than to see support for athletes in the sport she passionately developed, lived, and loved.
mama
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steve
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Brad
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Matt Weitz
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Alyx Crawford
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Matt in NB
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Megan in Edmonton
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I am an Intensive Care RN and to keep patients in the ICU is an astronomical cost. For a neuro trauma such as this, 61 thousand a day is believable. Some medications we run cost 10 thousand dollars a day alone. Not to mention the surgeries and tests she had. A CT scan cost $1000 on average. We are so shielded from the true cost fo health care in this country.
Ashley
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Now in regards to her medical bills. You also have to remember she was probably fully covered in Canada...If this accident happened in Canada she would have had NO medical bills. MAYBE an $80 bill for an ambulance but thats really about it. But because she was in the states where the accident happened and she was in a hospital in the states she was billed up the rear. What im surprised about is wouldnt she have life insurance? I mean being a professional athlete in a dangerous sport youd think shed have life insurance. Also wouldnt her estate allow monies she has whether her bank account, RRSPS, Insurance anything like that allow her to pay her medical bills? I mean shes a very popular athelete who did amazing and must have money. But whatever the case we shouldnt be questioning their financial state, they wouldnt be asking for donations if they didnt have it. So you can either support the family and donate or dont support them and dont donate....but you dont need to badmouth the fact of asking for donations. Its disrespectful to the family and to Sarah.
John Lethbridge
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Lynn
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Amy
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If our health plan wouldn't cover it, I think her sponsors should step up and do the right thing and pay the bill. If they all pitched in, it would be nothing to such big corporations.
erika
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Kevin Thomas
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Indy 11
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Melissa
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Deb
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Chris
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Alan
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Darcey
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Owen
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Norm
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However, I must agree that why donations? It's un-imaginable that there would be no medical plan albeit thru her own efforts or those who sponsor her in this extreme sport.
Lorne
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chris paul
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Questions
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matt
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Ridegirl
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reidjr
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No you don't get money for the organs.
John
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Goldens
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J-F from Quebec
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Mike Smith
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Wendalynn Donnan
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FCS
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Ron
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Devil's Advocate
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Lynn
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Lay off with the hurtful comments folks
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Fil
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PBW
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realist
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c baltare
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LCR
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Ottawa Jack
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M.N.
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Alexis in Victoria
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Shane
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Shawn
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Hayforker
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Teken
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stella
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Senga Milne
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Carolyn Wilkinson
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Canadian Bob
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hb
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Makon
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Dixie from Alberta
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Sharon Phillips
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I do think her sponsers should be stepping up big time.
I send my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Ranger
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Glenda
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Anonymous Adjuster
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As sad as the situation is unfortunately it shouldn't be up to private individuals to pay for this. The federation/sponsors she worked with should have a fund set aside for these kinds of things
Sam C
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Ted from Toronto
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Alice walker
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Kerry in Niagara
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C.Whalen
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Roger
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If they don't will be obvious they care only abou athletes that bring money, not cost them money.
Corpopopo
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Char
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marchelo
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marc
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lwards
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Fred
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Omid Ashabi
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If rescue services and hospitals and doctors were able to save the life of Sarah Burke, well they were also entitled to charge the expenses.
Now that they did not save her life, and even she was not under-aged individual, so what is the charging for family?
"Hello, you didn't do much of a great job!' And practically want to charge for your insufficiencies?"
linda
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Prof. Pye Chartt
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Guffman
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And for you lefties, this has NOTHING to do with Harper. Get real.
rmsbl4
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Capt. Compromise
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Dan
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livecounselling.ca
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Kev
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I for one, am a struggling student, and will not hesitate to donate as much as I can afford. I encourage all her supporters, rich or poor, to do the same.
For all the inconsiderate people discussing insurance policies and health care, shame on you.
Grow up, a family is in pain an needs our help. I wish our government would pay the bills in full.
Jack
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James in T.O.
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Jay
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So are you saying it is time to make those groups pay their own way or deny service? Maybe we need to reject claims from self induced injury/illness? and the US healthcare system is great....except they are greedy and charge a ton of $$. But that's the American way..."Screw your fellow citizen for personal gain."
LMG
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1299
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realist
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To Glad...
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km
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He is now 7 yrs old and the apple of my eye.
She may have had coverage but this may be the "ineligible" portion. I'm hoping a sponsor will step in. She rocked, and was so inspiring.
My condolences to her husband and family
Kat
said
No matter which government is in power they are going to spend it and find ways to spend it.. at the end of the day you pay and it that is it.. Why are people always complaining about tax payers money being spend. The gov. can spend it on this or on expensive helicopter trips for ministers.. it's going going to be spent regardless..
People that fill out these comments with talk of tax money should honestly stop whining.. it's sad and pathetic. Suck it up.. enjoy life or at least come out with a fresh arguement.
As for the family, I feel for them and their financial burde, my thoughts are with them.
Ted in Ottawa
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Ted from Toronto
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John
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SueH
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INCREDIBLE
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When we get sick or have medications, some people can't refill prescriptions and now they are asking for money
Incredible, they should have insurance to travel ??????
Not a penny from me, I need my money for my family's medical needs
amir
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Paddy Saskatoon
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Aaron McDonnell
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J.C.
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MJ
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mike
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Luigi
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Just Saying - Ottawa
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gladtobeCanadian
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Ted from Toronto
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Nanook
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shar
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stinkbug
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Adam - GTA
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Dean
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No sympathy from me Missy
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Sorry, Missy, but in my opinion, you had a death wish and it came true for you...
At 30 years old this woman was not a child, so why are her parents responsible for her medical bills???
Something stinks!!!
Will
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Jettle
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Darlene
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Austin W in Saskatoon
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Debbie
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Doug
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Shawn
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Sarah
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Dr. WTF
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james
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Wendy Osborn
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Curious?
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kal
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MarcZ
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Toby
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Patrick
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Stella in Toronto
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Ross
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just askin'
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VK
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