HEALTH CARE FOR ALL--GIVE CALVIN A FIGHTING CHANCE

As a newcomer to Canada, Calvin has found himself in an urgent, challenging, and painful predicament and he needs our help. 

Calvin spent 24 days in two different hospitals in Winnipeg, Victoria General Hospital and then transferred to St. Boniface Hospital where he underwent life-saving emergency surgical procedure.

While in the care of St. Boniface Hospital, he contracted COVID-19. This worsening series of events significantly diminished his health and  extended his stay in the hospital as they surgery could not be performed until his COVID-19 condition improved. 

Upon discharge from St. Boniface Hospital, he received a shockingly enormous medical bill amounting to over $120,000, due immediately.

I have seen a handful of medical professionals since being released from hospital who have concluded that there are no further health concerns or health issues regarding my recent surgical procedure, and there shouldn’t be any further medical problems if I maintain a healthy diet and stay active. I am very thankful for that but am even more terrified and unsure of what to do next. 

I am deeply saddened because I have been blessed enough to receive the opportunity for a world-class education in the greatest country on earth and I fear that this will destroy my future.

- Calvin Lugalambi

I cannot speak for other international students and their financial situations, both here and in their home countries; however, in my personal circumstances as an international student, I am sincerely not in any position, financially or otherwise, nor do I have any means to afford to pay this enormous health bill.

- Calvin Lugalambi

I came here to fulfill my dreams of becoming a professional engineer. I have come here to be inspired by hope, to contribute to a rich culture, to be humbled by humility, to be strengthened by a community, and to be loved by all Canadians.

My dream is simply that with hard work and determination I can harness this only opportunity I have, to become a valuable member of Canadian society. It is unfortunate I must ask for your help in this difficult time. My family and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity to help us through this challenging time.

- Calvin Lugalambi 

His insurance provider (Guard.Me) refused to cover these costs because Calvin transferred from the International Collège of Manitoba to the University of Manitoba, as they claimed his condition was pre-existing, prior to being admitted to Victoria Hospital.

Since Calvin also contracted COVID-19 while he was admitted to St. Boniface Hospital, Guard.Me claimed this was the result of a pre-existing condition, and rejected his insurance claim for the full amount.

If an extension or temporary coverage had been made available to him by the insurance provider or either school, he would have surely acted upon them, sooner than later.

Unfortunately, this was not the case, and as a result, Calvin found himself facing a life-or-death medical emergency without insurance coverage in the midst of a global pandemic.

As a life-long Canadian, business owner, taxpayer and person who has the privilege of never having to worry about facing a situation like this, I can only imagine how devastating it would feel to be going through something as overwhelming as what Calvin is facing.

If you have already read this far, I kindly ask that you consider donating to his GoFundMe page.