Calgary’s MFRC raising funds for a medical emergency involving a fallen soldier’s family

Michael Hornburg, a retired blue collar that has devoted the last 10 years of his life fundraising for veterans and their families, was on a journey on the Camino de Santiago, in northern Spain, in memory of his beloved son, Corporal Nathan Hornburg, of the Kings Own Calgary Regiment, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on September 24th, 2007, when he experienced a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

His daughter, Rachel, has been struggling through what appears to be an administrative nightmare for the past couple weeks to finally bring her father back to Canada. The air transport that was supposed to bring him home to ensure a quick medical procedure turned out to be both complicated and extraordinarily costly (up to $71,000) as the insurances refused to cover the costs of the flight for Michael, his family and the medical escort he needed.

The family’s media relations contact, Sara Leishman, gives an update on Michael’s health since he’s returned to Calgary, “He is currently in hospital and being assessed for fitness to undergo surgery. As these things can take time, he is being monitored closely and has had a steady stream of visitors keeping him company. No surgery date has been set yet.”

The family is now faced with tremendous costs for the medical transport and care Michael received.  The Calgary MFRC, along with a crew of volunteers made up of friends, family, and the local military community, is, therefore, looking for generous donators that could spare a couple of dollars to help the family get through these difficult times.

The group is hoping to raise $45,000, with just over $6,000 currently raised according to Leishman; any excess going towards the MFRC’S Benevolent Fund, designed to help with military family’s urgent needs. “The family will be appealing the denial of the claim by the insurance company. Should funds be recovered, the family will return the amount to the Benevolent Fund,” she adds.

Michael’s daughter, Rachel Hornburg, wants to personally thank donators, “From the bottom of my heart, and I know my father would echo this statement if he could, thank you to those who have rallied around our family in our time of need.”

To make a donation, please contact the Calgary MFRC. Note that donations, due to the nature of the situation, will not be eligible for tax receipting.