Treatments & Comfortable End of Life for Stage 4 Cancer Dad

Hi everyone, my name is Helia. I’m the daughter of Siavash Imany who is suffering from Stage 4 colon cancer. After three years of battling with cancer and multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, he has now been given months to live. He has been an amazing father and a valued member of society his whole life.

My dad was a family doctor in our home country who devoted his entire life to helping others, regardless of their financial situation. I remember as a kid when he would sometimes take me with him to villages near our hometown, to treat people who didn’t have money or adequate access to healthcare. I recall seeing their faces and how thankful they were. They used to say "Your dad is a hero, he was sent by god to help us".

So I grew up thinking my dad could help anyone and fix anything! Despite having a comfortable life back home, he sacrificed everything to bring me, my mom and my little sister to Canada because he knew the terrible lives awaiting us back home and everyday we are so grateful for his sacrifices.

However, the move proved more challenging than expected. Although my dad immigrated to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker, by the time we arrived, Canada no longer needed family doctors. Despite passing several exams, he was never able to resume his medical practice here. Because of that, he was never able to pursue his true calling—to heal those who needed him most.

He started working different jobs to keep a roof over our head. He worked as an uber driver, security guard, and factory worker. Meanwhile his mental health worsened leading to more depression and unfulfillment because he could no longer treat patients in the way he once did. But he never gave up on his family and continued providing for us even if it meant working any jobs that he can get.

In 2018, he was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, and had intensive surgery. However, 3 years ago he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I remember that horrible day when I was at work and my mom told me about my dad having to go to chemotherapy because of his diagnosis. It’s hard seeing him go from being the rock of the family and the provider, the healer, to someone who has to rely on us for his every need.

Now that his health continues to decline, we believe it’s our turn to support him in every possible way. We hope to cover any medical expenses not covered by OHIP, including certain medications, so he can be as comfortable as possible in his final months. Additionally, he wishes to return home one last time to see his family, visit the places he always dreamed of since childhood, and explore any promising treatments that might extend his life so that maybe he can live to see his grand children or walk again. After a lifetime devoted to caring for others, he has left very little for himself. We want to make sure these last few months are spent with loved ones, free from financial burdens and the feeling of being unable to provide. Now, it’s our turn to help him. We’ve started this GoFundMe to fulfill his final wish. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to granting him a comfortable end to his life or maybe a new chance at life.

With immense gratitude,

Helia & Family