International Borders

[Everlasting]

Hello, My Friends:  I had an experience yesterday that compells me to pass the situation on to you.
     I attempted to register with another site - one that focuses on matching donors and recipients.  It came highly recommended by several peers.  In my failure to achieve registration I placed a telephone call to the site manager.  He was most willing to assist me until I gave him the information that I was located in Nova Scotia, Canada.
    At that point the membership fee schedule took on new figures and the issue of membership packages and their willingness to work out a payment fee scale ended.  I was told that they do not extend any bonus benefits to international individuals.  The latter can only access their top dollar package - a lifetime membership package - at the price of approx. $600.00!!!
     Have other Canadians experienced this barrier at the border?
     I am sure that if I did a search of Canadian sites that I would not find any exclusion policy for Americans!  Afterall - we not only provide donors to the States but American recipients come to Canada for live kidney donations.
     My greatest concern regarding international border obstacles is that of research.....it is imperative that both countries open their doors otherwise
advances in all aspects of treatment will be negatively affected.
In Wellness and with Open Doors
Everlasting

[paris]

If it is the site I am thinking of, it is a business and it costs to join the site to use their services.  If you find a donor on your own, there isn't a problem with the border issue. Our own member, Monrein (Canadian) got a living donor kidney from her sister in law from the U.S.   It isn't a government issue, it is just that particular site and their eye on their profits.  There are other sites. Keep looking and asking questions. 

[Everlasting]

Hi, Paris:
     Thank you kindly for taking the time and energy to respond to my "rant".  Yes, I do realize that this is not a gov. policy but rather the practice of a for-profit business. I should be satisfied that at least they do recognize the economical hardships of potential customers and have a willingess to make accommodation... all is an act of kindness and I suspect that "borders" had to be set in terms of their boundaries.
Everlasting

[okarol]

I am curious which website it is - the only ones I am familiar with are non-profits.