BOY WILL GET TREATMENT
After long fight, province will cover health costs
After an eight-month wait, three applications and one appeal, the Saskatchewan government will cover a costly treatment for a fouryear-old boy.
Kayden Kot, after years of developmental challenges that appear to stem from severe food allergies, needs to be fed through a tube connected directly to his stomach. His family and health professionals have said Kayden’s best chance to get off the feeding tube is a onemonth stay at the Sensory Therapies and Research Center (STAR) in Denver, Colo., where he would receive the specialized treatment — at a cost of $14,000.
The health ministry had previously denied covering the treatment despite supporting letters from STAR, the Saskatoon Health Region and Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children. A November appeal was also unsuccessful, and the family subsequently re-applied.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan told the family last week the specialized treatment at STAR would finally be covered by the government.
Duncan told the Saskatoon Star Phoenix the province had trained local therapists in November 2014, which was why the family’s application last June was denied.
However, the family’s latest application showed that despite accessing the service, Kayden’s progress had “plateaued,” Duncan said.
“I think what we’ve acknowledged is STAR obviously has a lot more experience in this type of therapy,” Duncan said.
“Part of the reason in terms of approving this is sending a therapist from Saskatoon down so they can get a little more experience and see exactly how the therapists in Denver operate — not only specific to Kayden’s care, because they’ll have to be responsible for that after he returns to the province, but also so we can help other people that need this type of therapy.”
In a statement, Kayden’s family said they’re relieved he’ll receive the treatment, but are also disappointed the process took so long.
“Time is of the essence in (a) young child’s life and at Kayden’s expense, he will have waited eight months for the therapies,” the statement said.
“Thankfully we have many supportive friends, family, communities and co-workers who continue to help us be the best advocates for Kayden that we can be. We want to send out a huge thank you to all. We cannot express our gratitude enough.”
Kayden’s family members said they are “still waiting to hear back from the government on all Kayden’s other complexities and needs that cannot be met in our province. Kayden’s diet is a major part of this.”
Though the $14,000 in clinic expenses will be covered, the family is facing more expenses, including costs of travel to the U.S., accommodations, his diet and numerous supplements.
The family is holding a benefit Jan. 23 to cover some of those expenses. For tickets or more information on the benefit, people can contact the family at smfortier@hotmail.com.