Nine-year-old Nathan Hepburn showing progress after German treatment; B.C. funding appeal under review

Nine-year-old Nathan Hepburn suffers from an extremely rare and life-threatening brain arteriovenous malformation—an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that puts him at high risk of a potentially lethal brain hemorrhage. His mother Natasha describes his condition as a "ticking time bomb."

After years of unsuccessful treatment in B.C. and Toronto, the family discovered an option in Germany. Nathan has now completed two rounds of specialized treatment, and the results have been significant. "His headaches have significantly decreased," Natasha said. "He is not waking up in the middle of the night screaming in pain anymore."

Doctors in Germany have told Natasha they are confident they can ultimately cure her son. However, each round costs more than $60,000, and Nathan could need as many as six rounds. "I can't sleep at night thinking that his treatment will be delayed and he could lose his life because of funding," she said.

Natasha turned to the B.C. government for help but was denied. The province said acceptable medical care is already available in B.C., and called the German treatment "unproven and experimental." However, Nathan's neurosurgeon at BC Children's Hospital recommended the treatment and wrote a letter supporting the family's appeal for provincial funding.

Now, Natasha hopes the progress Nathan has shown can serve as its own evidence. "I'm hoping they can respect the opinions of the very neurosurgical teams here who have indicated this is the right path to go," she said. "And we have the proof. My child is the proof that it's working."

In an email, the Ministry of Health said a review of the application is underway. The source has not provided a timeline for when a decision may be made.