My name is Rakibul Islam Mahin, and I am raising funds for my childhood best friend, Asif Mahmud Prince. Asif is a 28-year-old father with incurable metastatic thyroid cancer that has spread to his lungs. He is fighting every day just to stay alive for his little boy, but he is doing it while facing some of the harshest barriers anyone could imagine.
To understand the seriousness of his situation, please consider reading the CBC News coverage of Asif’s story here:
➡️https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/immigration-wait-cancer-9.6987797
This article explains how Asif’s health, immigration status, and inability to work have created a life-threatening crisis.
What Asif Is Going Through
Asif first became sick in 2022. He tried everything — working, supporting himself, and following treatment. But last part of 2023, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs and it is iodine refractory, making it incurable.
His Immigration Status Is the Most Limiting Factor
This is the part no one sees unless they read the CBC article.
Asif is waiting for IRCC to process his permanent residency application. While he waits:
- he cannot work legally,
- he does NOT qualify for social assistance,
- and he has NO income at all while fighting cancer.
He does have MCP until April 2026, but MCP does not cover:
- out-of-hospital medications
- medical supplies
- transportation
- rent, food, heat, electricity
- proper nutrition
- cancer-related living expenses
He is fighting incurable cancer with zero financial support simply because of his immigration status. No one should have to endure that.
The Reason He Keeps Fighting
Asif’s 2-year-old son, is the center of his world.
What breaks my heart is hearing Asif say:
“I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid my son won’t remember me.”
He wants to live long enough for Terrence to know his father — to grow up with love, guidance, and connection. Asif’s biggest fear is being taken away from his son because he cannot afford to survive during this immigration wait.
He is fighting cancer AND fighting to stay in his child’s life.
Why I’m Fundraising
Your support helps Asif cover:
Medical Needs
- medications not covered by MCP
- home-care supplies
- pain and symptom management
- transportation to oncology appointments
Basic Survival
- rent
- food & nutrition
- heat & electricity
- phone (to reach medical care)
- hygiene & essential
Parenting Need
- safe environment for his son
- transportation for visit
- basic items his son needs while with his dad
Asif isn’t asking for comfort — he’s asking for survival
⏳ Why This Is Urgent
- His cancer is incurable and progressing.
- He has no income and no social assistance.
- He is not allowed to work.
- IRCC processing can take years.
- He is running out of time and resources.
Every day without support puts him at risk of losing his health, his home, and his time with his son.
❤️ How You Can Help
Donate if you can. Even $5 helps.
Share this fundraiser with your friends, groups, or community.
Help Asif stay alive long enough to raise his son.
Your support truly makes a life-or-death difference.
Thank You
Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and caring.
Your kindness gives my friend strength to continue fighting, even on the hardest days.
With gratitude,
Rakibul Islam Mahin
Friend & Organizer
