American ALS Patient Dies Alone After Paying $84K for Sask. Facility Treatment

Susie Silvestri, a 70-year-old American with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), tragically passed away alone in December 2024 after seeking treatment at a private facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Her journey, motivated by hopes of healing, raises critical questions about health care oversight, particularly regarding private treatments for serious illnesses.

Background on Susie Silvestri’s Condition

Susie’s ALS symptoms started in October 2022, leading to a severe decline in her mobility and health. By early December 2024, she was unable to walk, speak, or eat. Desperate for help, she sought a feeding tube but was turned away due to insurance constraints.

Search for Treatment in Saskatchewan

Three months before her hospitalization, Susie moved from North Carolina to Saskatchewan after learning about the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center. The facility, managed by Dayan Goodenowe, claimed an extraordinary success rate in treating ALS.

• Cost of Treatment: Susie incurred costs totaling $84,000 for the treatment program.
• Facility Management: Goodenowe is not a licensed medical doctor, and the facility operates outside of provincial health regulations.

Facilities and Claims

Dayan Goodenowe claims his program could stop ALS progression through unregulated supplements. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these assertions, and the supplements used have not been approved for sale in Canada.

In late August 2024, Susie was accepted into the program under the condition of expedited payment. She initially believed she would regain her health at the facility, investing her savings and soliciting funds through a GoFundMe campaign.

Declining Health and Lack of Support

Arriving with high hopes, Susie’s condition deteriorated quickly. After a brief stay in the Goodenowe center, she was taken to the Moose Jaw hospital due to severe illness. Hospital staff raised repeated concerns about the center’s ability to care for her specific needs.

Critical Observations

• Susie struggled to take the required supplements due to her deteriorating health.
• Staff expressed doubts regarding the center’s preparedness to support severely ill clients like Susie.

Journey to the United States

As her health worsened, Susie sought a feeding tube in the U.S., as her Canadian medical insurance would not cover her needs. On December 8, 2024, she began a four-hour transport to a hospital in Sidney, Montana.

Final Days and Aftermath

Despite receiving medical attention in Montana, Susie’s health continued to decline. She passed away on December 26, 2024, from complications related to ALS, specifically acute and chronic respiratory failure. Her brother expressed deep frustration over the treatment Susie received at the Goodenowe facility, highlighting significant gaps in regulatory oversight of private health care services.

Implications for Regulatory Oversight

Susie Silvestri’s case has sparked discussion regarding the need for stricter regulations for private health care providers in Saskatchewan. Experts advocate for stronger consumer protections to prevent vulnerable individuals from being exploited.

The tragedy underscores the desperate need for reform in how alternative treatments and private health services are regulated, ensuring that patients like Susie receive appropriate care and support during their most challenging times.