The Pobyvanets family left a Ukraine torn by the war in 2023 determined to build a better life when they moved to Nova Scotia.
But they are now faced with their greatest challenge.
Pavlo, 13, was diagnosed with leukemia Three weeks ago.
“I had a lot of friends. We were hanging out, it was fun. But now it stopped a bit,” he said.
The family arrived in Canada in a special work permit program, but now Pavlo needs 24/7 surveillance as it is undergoing chemotherapy – which means that both parents cannot work.
Get national news
For news that has an impact on Canada and worldwide, register for the safeguarding of news alerts that are delivered to you directly when they occur.
“Before the diagnosis, I worked three jobs and my husband worked a single job,” said his mother, Iyna, through a translator.
“After discovering this diagnosis, our life turned around and it was difficult to work because our son needs care 24/7.”
A GoFundme has been set up To support the family and have collected more than $ 20,000 since March.
Iryna says that she is grateful for the support of her new community, saying that money will allow her to stay alongside her son while he is fighting for his life.
“I can’t afford to give up. My son is my life. I will do everything I can for him and I will fight for him, ”she said.
The family – who lives in Lower Sackville, ns – fled the war in 2023 and now tries to give their son the support he needs while they are jostling to follow subsistence costs.
To find out more about this story, watch the video above.
& Copy 2025 Global News, A Division of Corus Entertainment Inc.