Life took an unexpected turn for a Stateless Palestinian refugee claimant from Lebanon who fled to Canada late last year. Within days of crossing into Quebec at Roxham Road, Taha El Taha was diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
READ MORE: Family of terminally ill refugee claimant granted temporary resident permits
Despite the tragic twist of fate, the 36-year-old father of two’s dying wish came true recently when he was reunited with his family.
“I feel very happy because I’m beside my husband after eight months,” Amani El Khatib told Global News.
“I want to thank all the people who helped us to come here.”
El Taha’s wife and two children were initially denied entry to Canada on a visitor’s visa but after Global News first covered the story on May 2, immigration lawyers, doctors and politicians stepped in, calling on the government to make an exception on compassionate grounds.
READ MORE: Terminally ill refugee claimant from Lebanon desperate to bring family to Canada
His three family members — El Khatib, 29, Ahmad, 8 and Tala, 4, — were finally granted Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) on May 21.
TPRs are typically issued to foreign nationals who are inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Recent statistics reveal a decline in recent years. In 2017, the Canadian government issued 9,223 TRPs, compared to 10,568 the previous year.
“The Migration Program Manager reviewed the applications and the details of this case and was satisfied that there were compelling humanitarian reasons to issue the TRPs,” Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada spokesperson Nancy Caron said.
They received their permits just days before El Taha underwent major surgery at the MUHC to remove a malignant tumour that had spread to his thorax.
“I have a 45-centimetre scar from my back to my chest and still lots of pain,” El Taha said. “But I feel OK with my family beside me, help me, encourage me.”
El Taha is relieved to have his family by his side and says will never forget the moment he saw his wife and children for the first time in eight months.
“It’s a special moment,” he said.
“I was shocked just for my little daughter she’s so much taller.”
The family has been reunited for six weeks and will have the option to renew their TRPs after 90 days.
READ MORE: Calls for immigration minister to reconsider request from terminally-ill refugee claimant
They say they are extremely appreciative of all the help and support they’ve received, including an online fundraiser set up by a family friend to help cover living costs for the newly arrived family of four.
El Taha returns to the MUHC next week for another round of chemotherapy treatment.
Despite the fact that their world has been turned upside down, El Taha and his wife insist they are hopeful for the future and focusing on getting through one treatment at a time.