Ukrainian newcomer diagnosed with pancreatic cancer hoping to return home

“I want life, I want life.”

Oksana Kudliak is a Ukrainian newcomer. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April while still living in her war-torn country. Making the journey to Alberta hoping she would receive further cancer care.

“We lost hope in Canada because nobody will do anything, just painkillers. That is everything,” explained Ivan Andrusiak, Kudliak’s son.

Her son, says they waited nearly two months in Alberta before seeing an oncologist, only to realize she was Stage 4, and unable to receive cancer care. “We lost a lot of time and we don’t want to lose any more.”

“Canada, it’s better for medical everything over Ukraine, but we came, waited 2 months for nothing, and nobody didn’t give my mother a chance. One doctor in Ukraine is giving my mother a chance. Its much better than waiting for what? Waiting for nothing,” said Andrusiak.

Alberta Health Services says they know how stressful and life-changing a cancer diagnosis is, saying when patients have non-operable cancer and/or are diagnosed as palliative, “their care teams do everything they can to manage the patient’s pain and symptoms when all other treatment options are non-viable.”

AHS added, “Demand for cancer care has steadily increased year after year and we are working to address capacity pressures and improve access, including exploring options such as extending clinical hours to reduce wait times wherever possible.”

Meanwhile, Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said the province is providing “quality and accessible” health care, which includes cancer screenings.

Kusliak now wants to go home to Ukraine to live out her final days with family. The journey home will cost upwards of $35,000, as she requires oxygen and the care of a medical escort. Her son is now fundraising money to make it possible.

“We believe something will help my mother, because nobody would give a chance in Canada. In Ukraine, my mother will be given a chance,” said Kusliak.

“My mother, she wants to go home. She wants to see her family, she wants to see my father, brothers, sisters. It’s not easy for us right now.”