Far From Family, an Immigrant Fights Cancer and the Cold

[AlphaCentauri]

Every weekday at 8 a.m., Efrenngton Armijos, 50, makes an arduous trek. Bundled up in layers — but wearing loafers that expose his ankles — he braces himself for December’s piercing weather.

“I have only these,” Mr. Armijos said through an interpreter, pointing to his loafers. “These are not proper for the cold, but I have no money to buy shoes.”

It is not just the weather that Mr. Armijos is fighting. In June, he was told he had Stage 1 gastric cancer. He began daily radiation treatments in November, traveling from his home in Elmhurst, Queens, to New York Hospital Queens in Flushing.

An immigrant from Ecuador, Mr. Armijos has lived in the United States for 21 years. His wife and children live in Ecuador and cannot afford to visit him. Without family, he navigates New York City’s public transportation system alone.

“I take the train and the bus,” Mr. Armijos said of the almost hourlong commute. “I have to walk very slowly. I am forced to get the strength to go to my appointments.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/nyregion/22neediest.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

[xchrom]

1. The best to you mr armijos. Nt