My name is Beverley, and I am the Program Coordinator for the Family Medicine Teaching Unit at Oak Valley Health. I am reaching out on behalf of one of our residents, Rastin, and his family, who are facing an unimaginable and heartbreaking situation.

Rastin is a first-year Family Medicine resident with the University of Toronto. He and his wife came to Canada with a shared dream of becoming family physicians—dedicating their lives to caring for others and serving their new community, just as his father did back home.

Rastin’s father is a surgeon who devoted his life to caring for people in rural communities who could not afford or access medical care. He travelled to them, expecting nothing in return. His goal was simple: to improve their quality of life so they could continue to care for and support their own families.

Recently, Rastin’s parents and brother travelled from overseas for what was meant to be a joyful visit to Canada. Tragically, during their stay, his father suddenly became ill. What initially appeared to be a minor issue of a pinched nerve quickly escalated into something far more serious.

He has since been diagnosed with glioblastoma (Grade 4), an aggressive and terminal form of brain cancer.

Rastin’s father required an emergency biopsy, followed by complications that led to a prolonged stay in the ICU at Sunnybrook Hospital. He is currently unable to walk without assistance and is not medically stable to return home. He must now begin urgent chemotherapy and daily radiation treatments here in Canada—far from home and surrounded by uncertainty.

Although the family had travel insurance, the costs of the emergency biopsy and subsequent ICU stay quickly exceeded their coverage.

Rastin has taken on the responsibility of coordinating his father’s care and arranging payment plans with Sunnybrook Hospital for the emergency treatment already received.

They are now facing overwhelming and ongoing medical expenses while coping with the emotional weight of this devastating diagnosis.

As a first-year resident, Rastin is at the very beginning of his medical career. Like many residents, his income is modest and intended to cover basic living expenses. Despite this, he has stepped up to support his family—coordinating care, purchasing necessary equipment for home, and managing the financial burden of his father’s hospitalization.

Rastin and his wife have always been committed to helping others. They came to Canada to build a future rooted in compassion, service, and care.

Now, they need our help.

How your support will help:

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach others who may be able to support.

On behalf of Rastin and his family, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time.

Beverley