EDMONTON, ALBERTA - When cancer patient Esa Garcia opened the decision letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), her hopes of securing a stable life in Canada were shattered. Her application for permanent residence on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds was officially refused.
For Esa, the refusal created an overwhelming layer of fear on top of an already agonizing struggle. "I realized how stressful it is once you receive a refusal letter," Esa shared in an emotional interview with SYNAG Media. "I am now thinking of receiving a removal order soon, that someone would just pick me up at home. It’s really stressful on my part."
Esa was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer. She spent the last year in and out of the hospital for treatment, but as her health declined, her temporary work permit also lapsed, causing her to lose her legal status in Canada. Consequently, her provincial health coverage expired, leaving her without public health insurance while fighting a terminal illness. Today, every single medical expense comes directly out of her own pocket, placing an unbearable financial burden on top of her physical fight for survival.
However, despite the emotional hardship of the refusal notice, Garcia still maintains a gracious perspective toward immigration authorities. She shared that she respects IRCC's decision and fully understands that officials are merely following the established rules governing her application type.
Under IRCC policy, Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations are reserved for exceptional cases. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis on factors such as an individual's establishment of life in Canada, family ties, the best interests of any children involved, and the potential hardships faced if returned to their home country—including proving that a life-threatening medical condition cannot be adequately treated in their native land.
Refusing to give up, Esa still holds onto hope. She plans to take one final attempt to have her application given a second look through a judicial review, a legal process where a court examines if the decision was fair, reasonable, and lawful. “I hope my story and my current situation will be considered. I’m a cancer patient. I need a proper treatment so I can fully recover. I’m hoping that [the Canadian government] can review and reconsider my appeal." she said.
In compliance with Canada’s Privacy Act, and out of respect for Garcia’s personal privacy, IRCC refrains from discussing individual case details publicly—a standard of confidentiality that SYNAG Media also fully respects and upholds.
Meanwhile, Alberta Health Services regulations shows that Temporary Foreign Workers are fully eligible to receive health coverage during the validity of their work permits. However, once a permit lapses, as occurred in Garcia's case, individuals are no longer eligible for benefits under provincial rules, but if an individual's legal immigration status is restored, their health coverage and benefits will be reinstated immediately.
"My battle is not an accident; I believe this is God’s plan," she reflected. "I came here to Canada full of hope and dreams, and while I was not successful to achieve the career I want in life, God gave me this battle to make me stronger, and share this journey of mine to fellow Filipinos in Canada who are losing hope in their own battles, especially those who are suffering in their medical condition. I hope I can inspire them through my story. Cancer is not a death sentence, there are medicines and treatment available."
Faced with mounting bills and the terrifying prospect of deportation, Esa’s plight caught the attention of the local community as they gather for a fundraising event organized to support Esa, sparking a movement grounded in compassion and solidarity.
Spearheaded by the Alberta Chronicle, led by founder and publisher Lito Velasco, alongside The Page, headed by President Coy Ilaga, community members together raised initially some $1,500 worth of donations, which was directly handed over to Garcia assist with her immediate, out-of-pocket medical needs.
"We simply want to help those in need, like Esa, who is a cancer patient," Coy Ilaga stated during an interview with SYNAG Media. "When you are in a different country, it is important that there are people who are willing to help others because life is difficult and expensive. She is so thankful and grateful, and thank you to everyone who supported.”
SYNAG Media CEO Atty. Bernard Gregorio also pledged to provide assistance to Garcia during this exceptionally challenging chapter of her life. For Garcia, the overwhelming show of support brought immense relief and emotional warmth during a difficult storm.
"I’m happy because of people who did not know me personally, not my relative or my family, but was willing to open their hearts to help me," Garcia shared emotionally. "I’m very grateful. I’m crying right now, but my tears are not tears of sorrow, they are tears of joy and gratitude."
As Esa prepares for her legal appeal and continues her medical treatments, she carries forward the warmth of a community that refused to let her fight alone. In the midst of darkness, the collective spirit of Edmonton’s Filipino community stands as a testament to the power of human kindness.
