A family from Nigeria residing in Windsor, Ontario, is urging the Canadian government to permit them to remain in the country for their safety and to ensure ongoing medical treatment for their 16-year-old daughter, a cancer survivor.
Amirat Fayemi, the daughter, emphasized the importance of her health and safety, especially due to her continued medical procedures and monitoring. She expressed concerns about potential risks if they were to return to Nigeria, citing her father’s current perilous situation there.
Despite being in remission from leukemia diagnosed in 2022, Amirat is now undergoing treatment for a new blood-related issue, raising fears of cancer recurrence. The family defied a request to leave Canada, with conflicting opinions from medical professionals regarding her ability to travel.
Amirat recounted a history of misdiagnosis in Nigeria before being correctly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) while in the U.S. for vacation. The family’s decision to move to Canada followed her treatment in the U.S., where she experienced severe health complications.
The family applied for asylum upon arriving in Canada in January 2023, which was subsequently rejected along with subsequent appeals. They are now seeking permanent residency on compassionate grounds, facing imminent deportation despite medical concerns.
Community leaders from Nigerian organizations in Windsor have voiced support for the family, emphasizing the need to prioritize saving Amirat’s life. Despite ongoing efforts and appeals, the family remains uncertain about their future in Canada, hoping for a positive resolution amid looming deportation threats.