Eva Szajko and her husband fled Hungary 4 years ago. They are parents of a toddler, and they have been working as dishwashers in Edmonton to make ends meet. The Szajko’s have been fighting for refugee status, but so far their claim has been denied. Now, Eva is fighting an even tougher battle.

 

Recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, Eva’s doctor says she needs to begin treatment immediately. But in 2012, the Federal Government made the decision to stop funding health care services for failed refugee claimants.


“We have a big battle ahead,” Eva’s lawyer Simon Trela said.


Trela is representing Eva for free, and is applying to have her accepted (as a refugee?) under humanitarian grounds, which would give her access to health care. That process can take anywhere from 30-42 months, time Eva simply doesn’t have. Her only other option is to pay out of pocket for her health expenses.


“You get a bill for $20 or $30 thousand, and it can completely devastate the family and ruin them financially,” Trela said.


Eva spoke to CTV News on Thursday through a Hungarian translator.


“She cries every day because she’s afraid of what might happen,” the translator said. “Her biggest fear is because they’ve been out of the system…they will be rejected medical care, and she will basically die.”


“We’re talking about someone’s life, it’s inhumane,” said Melinda Hollis, a close friend of Eva’s. Hollis has been helping the Szajko’s care for their toddler, in an attempt to avoid any unnecessary expenses.


“These are people that are paying taxes,” she said. “These are not people that are slacking off and trying to live in the country. These are hardworking people.”
 
Immigration Canada says there are temporary measures in place to help refugees without access to medical coverage, but cancer treatment is not one of the items covered. If you would like to donate to the cause, visit Eva’s Cancer Treatment website.



With files from Carmen Leibel