A WHL player who is fighting for his life in a Saskatoon hospital is receiving support.
Tim Bozon of the Kootenay Ice is listed in critical condition after being diagnosed with Neisseria meningitis on Saturday, one day after the Ice played the Saskatoon Blades at Credit Union Centre.
Bozon’s parents Phillippe and Helene have flown from Switzerland to be by his side and now a stranger is stepping up to the plate, offering to help the family as it deals with this difficult diagnosis.
Allan Olson was at the Blades game on Friday and when he heard the news about Bozon it personally affected him
"Something similar happened to me and somebody helped me. This was 20 years ago . . . I'll never forget it,” Olson said.
That's why Olson offered to help when he learned Bozon’s parents had come to Saskatoon to be with their son.
“Whether it be for hotels for parents, relatives, any type of travel, medical. . . whatever it is I’m open to anything they require."
Kootenay’s general manager Jeff Chynoweth also arrived in Saskatoon Thursday to support the family.
As Bozon battles for his life health officials are reminding the people that they are safe.
“The risk to the general public right now is seen as nil and again emphasize that those who have had direct contact and might present a risk have already had all of the appropriate follow up,” said Dr. Michael Schwandt, the health region’s deputy medical health officer.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Only six people have been diagnosed with the rare disease in Saskatchewan in the last two years. Symptoms may include a severe headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, confusion and a fever. The person may experience nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
The type of meningitis Bozon has been diagnosed with is contagious, so players from both the Blades and Ice have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
