Help with Medical Expenses

Hi, my name is Ed Desfosses, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I never expected to be in this position. I was never educated about insurance or critical illness protection until it was too late—until I needed it and could no longer qualify. Facing the financial burden of medical bills, treatments, and daily expenses has been an eye-opening and overwhelming experience. It has made me realize just how crucial critical illness insurance really is. That’s why I’m now so passionate about sharing this information with others—so no one else has to go through the added stress of financial hardship while already fighting for their health.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had a pacemaker implanted. Despite my doctors’ advice, I continued working for several years, but the stress of running a construction company eventually took its toll. After a hospital stay, I moved to Saskatchewan to be closer to my daughter, my specialist, and to focus on my health.

In September 2022, life threw more challenges my way. The stress of moving, the passing of my sister, and a month-long cancer scare led to a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. While it seemed to be under control at first, I suffered a severe flare-up this past fall, leading to a month-long hospital stay and treatment with prednisone. Unfortunately, this caused complications and multiple hospitalizations.

By December, I was feeling better and was grateful to spend Christmas with loved ones. But on December 28th, I was admitted again—this time for seizures in my left arm and severe edema. This led to an urgent transfer to Regina General Hospital, where I faced some of the hardest weeks of my life. Doctors discovered that the seizures were caused by brain swelling. After two brain biopsies, I was diagnosed with a serious brain infection (Nocardia) requiring extensive and long-term antibiotic treatments—potentially for a year.

With all the medications and fluids, my kidneys, already weakened, couldn’t handle the extra strain, and since February 6th, I have been on dialysis.

Despite everything, I feel incredibly blessed for the care I’ve received—from the doctors, nurses, and porters, to the comfort of having Lorrie and my dog, Coconut, by my side during my hospital stay. The support, prayers, and visits have meant the world to me. I’m doing my best to stay positive, and while most days feel like a step in the right direction, the road to recovery is still long.

I’ve always been independent and never thought I would have to ask for help. But right now, I have no choice. The financial strain of treatment, medications, and daily living expenses is overwhelming. Every day is a battle—not just for my health, but to stay afloat.

One of my biggest hopes is to remain in my current suite, where my support system is. The funds raised will be used to make necessary improvements to my current living area, creating a more functional space to support my recovery and independence. Additionally, I will use the funds for medical costs, such as transportation for frequent dialysis treatments.

I’m reaching out because I need support—whether it’s a donation, a share, or even just words of encouragement. Anything helps and means more than you know.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story and for any support you can offer.

With deep gratitude,

Ed