Disability help for Steve

Hi! my name is Steve:

My story began in feb 2012 when I was diagnosed with vocal chord cancer. So my journey began which eventuallly would turn into my worst nightmare. What was suppose to be a positive outcome turned into anything but. Complication upon complication ensued as a result of the radiation treatments.( Now for those who know I did 8 weeks in 7 doing double treatments twice a week, then when things went south I did another 8 weeks of hyper-baric chamber treatments to try and deminish the swelling at least). The excruciating pain I endured over many many months, words cannot descibe.

In July 2013,  I ended up receiving the news I was not prepared for or was suppose to happen.  My doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital, where I received my treatment, informed me that I would need a total laryngectomy (removal of voice box) .  The radiation had destroyed it.  It has also left me with ongoing chronic pain issues and extensive dental issues.  Just living with a laryngectomy has it's own everyday challenges.  Everyday is a challenge not knowing what the day will bring whether I can do something or not because of the pain.

I have been denied disability benefits despite medical reports supporting my inability to work.  The denial is based on another criteria the government has in place that I do not have "sufficient earnings or contributions" to qualify as I had been unemployed (due to other unfortunate circumstances) to long prior to my diagnosis.  I contacted my member of parliment, they were unable to help.  I had expected to return to the work force after my so called ' positive outcome' but with so many setbacks and the hope I had that this would be the last one has turned into 3 years.

My wife Anne has been my biggest support through all this, but it is now taking a toll on us emotionally and financially.  We have had to use what little savings we had to keep things afloat.  I still require medications, medical supplies and now extensive dental work.  I also face the risk of losing my house.  We have exhausted our options.  My wife has the option of early retirement in 2017 but her income will not be enough to keep us a float, at which time we will  have no choice but to sell and move to Ottawa and live with family. 

Being a man, this is a humbling request to have to ask for help, but I am swallowing my pride in hopes that things will work out.  As diificult as life gets, giving up is not an option.