Island MP supports retired CAF major in appeal to Veterans Affairs Canada

An MP on Vancouver Island is advocating for a veteran seeking federal support for a possible kidney transplant.

A member of parliament is now supporting a retired Canadian Armed Forces major, who is preparing for a potential kidney transplant, in an appeal to Veterans Affairs Canada.

“I hope that they make a favourable decision for him. And we’ll certainly advocate on his behalf, but it’s really going to be up to [VAC] to decide if it fits the parameters of the types of services that they deliver,” says Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP, Jeff Kibble.

Ret. Maj. Bruce Sand’s kidney health is failing due to a disease that’s been linked to his service in Haiti in 2006/07. A comrade the Shawnigan Lake man once worked with in the Rhodesian Army has volunteered to give one of his kidneys to Sand when he’s expected to need the lifeline.

“Bruce is somebody that I really admire and he’s been a friend for life,” says potential donor, Mike Gurney. “He’s somebody that you would aspire to be.”

The pair say early testing indicates they’re a match. But Sand is frustrated Veterans Affairs Canada has turned down a request to cover the cost for Gurney to travel from his home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – if the transplant goes ahead.

“Way back in 2013, I received full compensation. But they also have a duty to assist me with treatment. And this is a treatment. It’s not somebody coming to visit me to shake my hand or say goodbye to me as I lie sick in hospital. This is somebody who’s bringing a live kidney for me to have,” says Sand, while speaking with CTV News a week prior.

The minister of Veterans Affairs has declined an interview due to privacy reasons. A spokesperson in the department has said VAC works with veterans on a case-by-case basis, since every situation is unique.

“There are times when people don’t necessarily agree with the decision, and there’s a process to appeal to request further information. And that’s the process that we’re in now,” says Kibble, who served with the Royal Canadian Navy for 28 years.

The timeline for the next steps under an appeal are unclear. Sand says he’ll be at an optimal window for transplant once his kidney function drops below 15 per cent. Currently, he says, he’s at 18 per cent.

“I would like it to work. Bruce deserves better… He’s given hit gut, everything and always has,” says Gurney. “I just think it’s time that the bureaucracy should find ways to make things happen.”