Ukrainian family in Nova Scotia faces a new challenge with the diagnosis of son’s cancer – Halifax

The Popyvaneets family, which was torn by the war in 2023, left the building of a better life when they moved to Nova Scotia.

But they are now facing their biggest challenge.

Pavlu, 13, was diagnosed with leukemia three weeks ago.

He said, “I had a lot of friends. We were hanging out, it was fun. But now, it stopped.”

Get the daily national news

Get the best news a day, addresses of political and economic affairs and current affairs, to your in the inbox once a day.

The family has arrived in Canada in a special work permit program, but now Pavlo needs to monitor 24/7 while undergoing chemotherapy – which means that both parents are unable to work.

“Before the diagnosis, I was doing three jobs and my husband was doing one job,” said his mother, Erina, through a translator.

“After we discovered that the diagnosis, our lives turned upside down and it was difficult to work because our son needed care around the clock throughout the week.”

Gofundment has been created to support the family, and more than $ 20,000 has collected since March.

Irina says she is grateful to support her new community, saying that money will allow her to stay next to her son while fighting for his life.

She said, “I cannot give up. My son is my life. I will do everything I can and I will fight for him.”

To learn more about this story, see the video above.

& Copy 2025 Global News, a Division of Corus Entertainment Inc.