Editor:
Add me to the list of critics of B.C.’s plan to fund therapy for smokers.
I agree with Ralph Sempel (Province roasted on quit-smoking plan, Sept. 1) and columnist Katie Bartel (It’s not just smokers who could use a little help, Aug. 11).
I was a smoker for many years and tried to quit lots of times. Finally it worked. I listened to the advice I got – this time – and as they say, ‘you’ve got to want to quit’. I did it.
I’ve been smoke-free for 5½ years. I had tried patches, gum, etc. before. Now, I’m proud to say, “I quit!”
So, it’s money wasted by the government to help smokers.
Also, I’m in the same spot as Bartel, a Type 1 diabetic who did not choose this disease. With this, I also have to spend lots of money – two kinds of insulin, four times a day. I need needles to inject the insulin, a blood-testing machine, strips to test and lancets needles to get blood to test, plus lots of medicines.
Then there is a chance of different kinds of diabetic episodes, the worst one last month. I went into a diabetic coma very unexpectedly. I drove from White Rock, but ended up in Abbotsford, still on 16 Avenue. I woke up in hospital, and totalled my car. It felt like I hurt a thousand ribs. Anyway, I lived.
I’m not as fortunate as Bartel, with her third-party insurance, but I feel like her. If I could get some help from the government, even for 12 weeks free supply of diabetic costs…
I don’t feel sorry for smokers, drinkers or pot smokers. They can cure themselves.
Betty Van Vliet, Surrey
