Help a Young Family Overcome Medical Debt Crisis

Dear friends and families,

We are reaching out on behalf of Joseph and Leena, a young couple in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who are facing an incredibly difficult time due to overwhelming medical bills and unforeseen financial hardship.

Their Story:

Joseph and Leena moved to Winnipeg from Ontario in hopes of building a better future after Joseph completed his studies. Like many young families starting out, they were full of dreams, hope, and determination. In September 2024, Joseph applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Leena filed for a work permit extension. Since then, they have been living in implied status.

During this period, the couple joyfully welcomed their first child. However, the pregnancy and delivery were far from easy. Without valid health coverage during Leena’s pregnancy, she was unable to attend regular check-ups. Their baby was born via C-section and had complications at birth, requiring 12 days in the NICU (Neonatal ICU).

The Burden:

What should have been a joyous occasion quickly turned into a financial and emotional nightmare. Joseph and Leena were blindsided with medical bills amounting to:

$12,000 for Leena’s delivery and care, and

$217,000 for their baby’s NICU stay.

After numerous appeals and meetings with Manitoba Health, the province thankfully agreed to cover the baby’s medical bills once the work permit is approved for Joseph and Leena. However, the $12,000 bill for Leena’s care remains and it is something they simply cannot pay.

Why They Need Help:

At this point, Joseph has only a part-time job and he is struggling to make ends meet. Due to his implied status, he is unable to find another employer or take on additional work to supplement his income. The couple has been surviving with the help of friends and community members, managing only the bare essentials of daily life. If this issue is not addressed in a timely manner, Manitoba Health may send the outstanding bill to collections, which could severely impact Joseph's future. This medical debt, however, has become an impossible weight—one that could impact their long-term future if not addressed urgently.

They’ve been struggling for over 8 months—emotionally, financially, and mentally—trying to stay afloat, while caring for a newborn and navigating immigration uncertainty.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Now, they need us. Every contribution—big or small—will help ease this enormous burden and give Joseph and Leena the breathing space to rebuild their lives, care for their child, and secure their future.

Please consider donating, sharing this campaign and helping spread the word. Let’s come together as a community to support Joseph, Leena and their baby in this critical time of need.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With hope and gratitude,

Friends (George and Nixon)