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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 7, 2006 - 5 Family wants waiting period waived Continued from page 3 which even the x-ray technician suggested on his report might be cancer, said Wayne. Through what the Lawers can only describe as "mishandling" by the doctor's office, this vital information was not revealed until they were finally able to contact the Immigration office in Buffalo in late September. (Because the system requires applications to be made outside Canada, Buffalo was closer and plainly more convenient than England.) On Oct. 5, the family received a request for a follow-up from the Ken Staton Ministry. Within a few more days they arranged for a TB test and further x-rays. The chest specialist also suggested that this looked like cancer and Ken needed treatment as soon as possible. "It's appalling we weren't told. We lost four months of treatment," said Wayne of the delays created by the system. "We would have started the application four years ago but the rules wouldn't let us." Since the Statons have no OHIP coverage, the Lawers' financial circumstances forced them to send Carole's parents back to England for treatment. Starting in November, Ken ­ who with Irene now lives in a small, government-supported apartment underwent treatment for his lung cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation. Since November, the Lawers have endeavoured to get more information from the Ministry with the assistance of Toronto lawyer Ronald M. Kanter. Even together they have been unsuccessful in prompting any reply. "As a Canadian citizen born and raised I have never been so appalled and ashamed," said Wayne, explaining how they can't even get their application rejected in order to formally appeal. "I think the process stinks." That said, the Lawers still want their government to allow the Statons to come to Canada, waive the three-month waiting period for OHIP and provide coverage under the refugee program. This, said Carole, would be only for palliative care and to make her dad "comfortable." "I don't think it's a huge expense for the government," she said. When asked why she doesn't just go to England with her family, Carole says that's simply impossible: she has a job here and Wayne, who is not a British citizen, is also employed in Canada. In addition, Imogen has been in school. "I wish we could. I wish we so financially secure we could stay in England," said Carole, who in midJune will spend two weeks with her parents in England along with her family. "It's all we can do." As sad as it sounds, the Lawers are already looking ahead to after Ken is gone and plan to try and get Irene to Canada to live with her family. "I hope we won't have to start her application all over again," said Wayne. "That would be the icing on the cake." In the meantime, Carole said she speaks to her father two or three times a week and while they enjoy hearing each other's voice, this is hard on everyone. "He gets so upset," she said. Adds Wayne: "He misses his granddaughter and he misses home." As of press time, the Lawers and Statons were still waiting to hear - anything. No worries! You'll find all the answers to who? when? where? what? at the Info Booth just inside the Come by the Coronation Park, Main Gates in Health & Wellness Village and take a moment to Festival Weekend, which soothe the body and mind. is also where you will find Get a relaxing massage, learn BMO Bank of Montreal's how to create a Japanese Lost Child Program. healing garden, take part in Register your child upon some soothing yoga, sample entering the some healthy foods,gates for enjoy the piece of mind benefits of reflexology, discover and sugar who is quickly your blood a child and cholesterol Health & Lost? Wellness Village l PAINTINGS - POTTERY - SCULPTURE SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Oakville Galleries at Centennial Square, 120 Navy Street A live auction featuring 82 original works by local and internationally recognized Canadian artists. levels, learn some nutritional secrets. Come and be inspired by a wealth of health & wellness products & services Found! PREVIEW DATES: SATURDAY, JUNE 3 TO SATURDAY, JUNE 10 DOORS OPEN 10:00 am (Sunday 1:00 pm) Preview showing ­ FREE g Admission to live auction - $10.00 Live Auction SAT., JUNE 10 ­ doors open 6:30 pm Refreshments served. Auction begins 7:30 pm For more information contact Festival admission tickets on sale now for as low as $11 each when purchased in advance. Hurry - price goes up at the gate. Buy now on-line or at Oakville Place Customer Service Desk, Shoppers Drug Mart, and most Oakville Banks. Check the website for a complete list of sales locations. The Oakville Art Society · 905-827-5711 www.oakvilleartsociety.com