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A 100-year-old World War II veteran from Harrow, Ontario, has returned home after falling ill during a trip to Alaska and a hospital stay in British Columbia.
Bill Shea was treated for a bladder infection, pneumonia, and kidney issues, but his family couldn’t afford the nearly $60,000 medical flight needed to bring him back home. Their requests to Global Affairs Canada for assistance were denied.
Shea’s daughter, Maureen Rudowicz, says she was relieved when an anonymous donor stepped up to cover the cost after seeing news reports of his situation.
Greeted by family, friends, and members of Harrow Legion Branch 338, Shea waved from the back of an ambulance to those waiting for him, with many shouting, “Great to see ya Bill.” After landing, he was transferred to a local hospital to continue his recovery.
Legion president Paul Chartier expressed gratitude to the donor, calling them “an angel” for helping ensure Shea could return home. Shea’s illness caused him to miss his birthday celebration at the Harrow Fair, but plans are already being made for a belated gathering once he’s feeling up to it.
His daughter says this would likely be his last flight, while his friends and fellow legion members are optimistic about his recovery.
Source: CTV NEWS