According to reports, Frances Oldham Kelsey, a doctor from Canada whose opposition to the anti-nausea medicine thalidomide helped ban it in the United States, died in London, Ont. Kelsey was 101 years old. Kelsey was born in Vancouver Island.

In the 1960’s, thalidomide was prescribed to expecting women, but it was later found that it led to serious birth defects like internal organ damage, missing limbs, blindness and deafness. She was a reviewer for the US Food and Drug Administration who spoke against the drug and raised concerns regarding the safety of the drug.

Dowdeswell said that she only returned last November and think thatit may have contributed in it, however the important thing is the country recognized her.Dowdeswell said that it was an opportunity to present the medal to Kelsey.

According to Dowdeswell, "We knew that death was imminent, and I sat beside her bed, held her hand, told her why I was there and why it was so important that we have the opportunity to recognize her”. She added that she took the medal and placed it in her hands and after that she woke up and was aware regarding her presence.