CAMPAIGN 31 WEEK 13

A Tale of Protection: Eduardo

Refugee law putting a life at risk...

Eduardo was born in Bolivia in the late seventies. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with scoliosis, a degenerative medical condition that became increasingly worse as he grew. Throughout his life, Eduardo sought the treatment and expertise of many healthcare professionals in his home country, but none of them were able to effectively control his condition, which began to take over his life. Eduardo stands just under four feet, and has a 60degree scoliosis that is extremely severe and terribly deformed. As a result, Eduardo spent a lifetime enshrouded in hardship and discrimination. Unable to continue his life in constant pain and suffering, Eduardo came to Canada and made a refugee claim in 2010. Since his arrival, he was able to see many doctors and specialists to help him. In August 2011, Eduardo saw a neurosurgeon for an assessment. The doctor stated that Eduardo had the most severe case of scoliosis that he had seen in his medical career. Eduardo was referred to a scoliosis specialist in order to evaluate the surgical options. Eduardo has an appointment with a scoliosis specialist at the Toronto Western Hospital on October 1st, 2012. If Eduardo is able to undergo surgery, further health degeneration can be prevented, and his scoliosis will be controlled to some degree. Until then, Eduardo is constantly in pain, and has been put on morphine as a result. This has caused him to experience several side effects such as memory problems, weight loss, headaches, and dizziness, among others. Sadly, Eduardos case was refused earlier this week. As a result he will lose all coverage. He will not be covered for his medical evaluation, or his surgery. What does that mean for Eduardo? There are simply not the resources available in Bolivia to treat his extreme scoliosis. The disease will eventually render Eduardo incapacitated, unable to live his life with dignity. If Eduardo were able to stay in Canada, he would be given the chance to become a self-sufficient and active member of his community. He could draw from his valuable life experience and support other people undergoing physical suffering. The Canadian government has declared that these changes have been made in an effort to prevent people from abusing Canadas generosity. However, its exactly that generosity thats being sacrificed with these changes. In an attempt to tighten up policies and borders, Canada is shirking its responsibilities to protect those in need. And who are suffering the most? People like Eduardo, who simply want to live a life with dignity and free of pain.