Medical bill expected to top $10,000
They came to Canada for a better life.
Now the Filipino couple, of who came as Temporary Foreign Workers, face a large medical bill.
Both worked at McDonald’s. One in Lethbridge, the other in Powell River. They had previously met in Kuwait where they both worked at the fast food franchise.
Net, in Lethbridge, then lost her job, with the economic downturn in Alberta, and went to live in Powell River, with her husband Mark Delos Santos. They applied for permanent residency.
But she no longer had medical coverage when she became pregnant.
A situation that became much more problematic when complications with her pregnancy came up.
“She ended up with a crash emergency cesarean section and that of course is much more expensive than home birth,” says Nanaimo Midwife Sandy Pullin who helped watch over her care following the pregnancy.
Further complications led to a second surgery, of course adding to their medical bill.
“She was so worried about the expense. She couldn’t think about anything else,” says Pullin.
The family has returned to Powell River. Pullin has started a gofundme page to help the family.
Kendall Hanson
