An Okotoks family can now rest easy after nearly a year of uncertainty.

In December of 2019, the Radi family was contacted by immigration services, who notified them that 16-year-old Kitti Toris was facing deportation after her applications for temporary residence status and a study permit were denied.

At the time, Kitti had been living in Canada for three years with her guardians Laszlo and Viktoria Radi, the latter of whom is Kitti’s half-sister.

News of the family’s situation soon spread throughout the community, and support began flooding in.

An online petition garnered over 25,000 signatures, and Foothills MP John Barlow lent his assistance to the family.

Just under a year later, in mid-November of 2020, the Radi family got their wish, and Kitti was granted permanent residence.

Laszlo says it’s an enormous relief after a long and complicated process.

“Basically, we don’t care how it was done, it’s just done. That’s the main thing. It should’ve happened a long time ago, but we had to wait for it.”

Aside from the looming threat of deportation, he says another big concern with Kitti was healthcare, especially during a pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, there was pressure because if she got sick, a night in the hospital might cost thousands of dollars.”

The Radis previously had to pay around $30,000 following a brief hospital stay for Kitti following an accident. They opted to enroll Kitti in online classes for the 2020-2021 school year in order to avoid potential medical costs.

Kitti, who is entering the second half of her grade-12 year at Holy Trinity Academy, says the support from the community was one thing that made the last year a whole lot easier.

She often helps out at her family’s business, the Heartland Café and Restaurant, and says patrons were often familiar with her situation and were always quick to offer their support.

“Lots of customers that came in asked about my papers, how it’s coming along. They said they were all praying for me and for my health, and for my papers to come through, and they finally did, so I’m thankful for that.”

Aside from no longer having to worry about steep hospital bills, Kitti says the opportunity to travel (once pandemic restrictions are lifted,) pursue post-secondary education and apply for citizenship are all among her long-term goals.

Even though she’s been home for a few years now, she says it’s a relief to have gotten confirmation that she’s here to stay.

“I’m happy to be part of this community. Okotoks has a great, strong, supportive community, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

 

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