Help Ease Weston's Pain

Hi - I am Chantelle and I am fundraising for the cutest little guy, Weston, and his family. I asked his mom Beverly, who I work with, to provide me with a little information about the situation. My goal is specifically to raise funds for his dental surgery (which he needs asap), but if we raise more, he has needs related to nutrition, communication, a fence in his front yard (he's a runner!) and therapies that funds will help support. Here's his mom's response to my request for information:

Weston has been on a journey since he was born at 30 weeks. And its been a roller coaster of hospital visits, surgeries, misdiagnoses, and finally some answers, only to be met head on with COVID, making treatment plans more difficult, continuous cancellations with specialists and most recently no in person visits indefinitely with pediatrician specialist.

Weston was recently diagnosed with Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Auditory Processing Disorder, Aspiration in February of 2021 and is non-verbal.

Weston is truly the happiest, sweetest little boy. He really had a different view of the world, and for that I am in constant admiration and learning from him.

Due to Weston’s sensory processing disorder, along with his Autism, global developmental delay, APD and being non-verbal, it is impossible to expect Weston to sit in a dental chair to receive an examination let alone receive dental work. Weston has, unfortunately, a few pretty bad cavities that are impacting his eating, daily activities and overall health. ( I really do brush his teeth, our routine sometimes take 4-6 attempts each morning and evening, not always successful)

- I phoned approximately 6 different dentists in Saskatoon and was referred by most to reach out to Tiny Tot Pediatric Dentistry. After sending in the appointment request form, I was contacted about a week later. At first I was told and was told to expect a 4-8 month wait for a consultation with the registered pediatric dentist. However, after a more in depth explanation of Weston, I was immediately referred to have Weston be booked for surgery, so the dentist could do the examination and complete all required dental work, this appointment could be booked in as little as one week. (Woo-hoo) Oh but here’s the catch, you only have to provide a credit card with $3000 to book. No direct billing, no cash.

- I have called West Winds Public Health Dentist to ask about their free services for children, but, they cannot provide the services Weston needs. I was told that it was “too bad I was not on assistance to receive SaskHealth Benefits, as they would cover these costs, and that if he was really in lots of pain, I could request antibiotics from my doctor and that should buy me a month or two” but there was no other solution for Weston’s situation.

- The university does not provide these services for pediatric surgery.

- Weston is not treaty as he lost that due to me being Metis not Status.

- Jordan’s Principle stated that they would not be able to help with the upfront costs but could submit an application after the surgery to request reimbursement, but was told no promises can be made.

(They have denied Weston’s other medical requests)

- I have reached out to my health benefits through work and was told that they only cover Recall Exam, scaling and Polishing. Not pediatric surgery.

I feel defeated.. I feel like I keep hitting wall after wall just to provide for Weston, I can’t make ends meet, let alone have a credit card or savings, and it sucks because it always seem like I’m begging for help ☹