Filipina Cancer Victim’s Caregiver Work Permit Extended by Government:
A Victory for Human Compassion and Community Bayanihan
Vancouver, BC – "We just received a fax of Penelope’s permit extension!" cried Norma Estacio into the phone of Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) on July 12, 2004. Norma is the mother of Filipina caregiver cancer victim Penelope Estacio.
"What a victory for the Filipino Canadian community who supported Penelope," said Eleanor ‘Beng’ Guerrero-Campbell, Executive Vice-President of MHHS who advocated for Penelope’s work permit extension and initiated the fundraising campaign for Penelope. “It shows that anything is possible, including government action when community comes together to support each other,” she added.
"I am overwhelmed by the help of everybody, including now the federal government. It’s another miracle," said Penelope when hearing of the good news.
"We are glad to be of help," said Irene Yatco, editor of the Philippine Journal who published the Let’s Help Penelope Campaign.
Penelope Estacio came to Canada in July 2003 and diagnosed with cancer soon after. She has been unable to work since. Her work permit was to expire on July 4, 2004. The Caregiver Work Permit extension application is typically available only when the caregiver’s employer endorses the extension request. Penelope has no employer because she is ill with cancer. MHHS requested that Government approve her extension anyway because she was getting better, that an extension would allow her to get sufficiently well so that she can work again and that the community would support her during this extension period.
Letters of support came from:
· Dr. Amil Shah, Penelope’s oncologist who indicated Penelope’s response to treatment was very good and that he expected Penelope to return to work full time
· Multicultural Helping House Society, Philippine Journal and Rock Ministries International who indicated they will provide financial, emotional and social support to Penelope during this period of extension
· May’s Place Hospice who houses Penelope and her mother for free because Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has waived the daily rate for Penelope.
· Geoffrey Lau Estacio, Penelope’s brother who pledged regular financial support from the family to Penelope
· Media articles were included to inform government of the community support behind Penelope. Approximately $1,000 in cash donations have been raised so far since the campaign started, and an estimate $1,000 through the water bottle campaign sales by Aqualife where 25 cents of every bottle sold is pledged to go to Penelope.
Other people who have significantly helped in the Penelope support campaign include:
· MP Sophia Leung who facilitated the request to CIC for humanitarian consideration
· Immigration Lawyer Rico Rey Hipolito who gave pro bono legal advise
· Most significantly, Immigration Officer Judy Renwick who advised on the approach to the application
· In-kind offers of help have also poured in from various community members, including work by Pastor Dave Sobrepena of Rock Ministries International to facilitate payment of the outstanding medical bill of Penelope amounting to an estimate $7,000.
MHHS is a charitable organization dedicated to helping newcomers succeed in Canada. Any donations to Penelope through the MHHS are tax deductible, and can be made by contacting MHHS at ph 604-879-3277 or to address 4208 Fraser Street, Vancouver V5V 4H4. If preferred, donations can be made directly to Penelope by depositing the amount to Penelope’s account at Royal Bank Oakridge Centre address 650 W. 41st Ave, Vancouver V5Z 2M9.
