Mirna’s Clients

In fall of 2023, a family of 12 arrived in Lethbridge. Their journey was fraught with challenges, but none as pressing as the condition of their youngest child. Severely malnourished and presenting with significant health issues, the boy was quickly admitted to hospital, where physicians diagnosed multiple conditions, including cerebral palsy, hypoxia, and global cognitive developmental delays.

The family, already overwhelmed by the journey to a new country, now faced the daunting task of securing necessary medical intervention for their child. His aggressive seizures necessitated ongoing care from a Pediatric Neurologist, and it became clear that frequent travel between Lethbridge and Calgary would be necessary for treatment.

Transportation posed a significant hurdle—the family needed specialized car safety equipment. Additionally, finding housing that could accommodate both a wheelchair and a large family was a formidable challenge. These pressing needs made it nearly impossible for the parents to focus on their settlement processes.

Despite these obstacles, one of our compassionate LFS Settlement Practitioners, Mirna, decided to take action. She adopted a holistic approach, advocating for conditions conducive to the family’s successful settlement and integration. Orientations were tailored to fit the family’s schedule, and through collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), LFS helped secure approval for the purchase of a specialized car seat, significantly improving the child’s safety and quality of life. Support from Canadian Immigration and Citizenship was instrumental in providing the family with additional medical equipment, including a specialized wheelchair, ankle-foot orthoses, and a neck brace.

Mirna also connected with the local school division, ensuring that necessary support was in place for a tailored educational experience. The boy began attending school with the assistance of a nurse, two education assistants, and therapists.

Support provided by the LFS team has made a profound difference—with resources and assistance in place, the family can now focus on their settlement journey.

#LethbridgeFamilyStories #WelcomingWeek2024

📷 Mirna with client. Photography by Tanya Plonka.