Randa migrated from Ghana to Canada in 2024, escaping a fourteen-years marriage that endangered her life. She fled for her life after filing for divorce, leaving her children in the care of her mother. Hoping to start afresh, she arrived in Canada—only to discover within weeks that she had endometrial cancer. She chose not to share this devastating diagnosis with her family, especially her children. Despite heavy bleeding and excruciating pain, she clung to her faith in God. Healing came in the form of radiation, which shrank the cancer to a fraction of its original size.
Randa shares her remarkable journey here:
“I came to Canada determined to rebuild my life and leave behind the trauma of an abusive marriage. In April 2024, I joined a virtual training organized by the York Entrepreneurial Development Institute for aspiring business owners in Canada. This program was vital in shaping my entrepreneurial journey.
Earlier, I had invested in hosting the International African Arts, Crafts & Culture Fair. However, finding myself in a new terrain and with time constraints, I lost a significant amount of money. Around this same time, my health began to deteriorate. In a new country with no close family or friends, this was an incredibly difficult season.
I was bleeding heavily, living with relentless pain that painkillers could no longer manage, and making weekly trips to the emergency room. Everyday tasks became nearly impossible, and paramedics often carried me to the hospital. People reacted differently to my condition—some mocked, some sympathized, others gossiped—but I refused to give up.
Eventually, the pain became so severe that I was offered hospice housing, where I was told to prepare for the end of my life. I was even advised to write farewell letters to my children. But just then, I was referred to another facility, where I began treatment for stage 4 endometrial cancer.
In December 2024, I underwent 23 consecutive days of radiation. The tumour shrank from 13cm to 3cm—an outcome that stunned even my doctors. The pain eased, the bleeding stopped, and I knew that God had intervened. In February 2025, I underwent surgery, entirely on my own. It was lonely and hard, but I found strength in my faith, knowing that a new chapter had begun.
Today, my health is restored, and I have returned to my passion—building businesses. We are currently planning an international event for African businesses and entrepreneurs in December 2025. Interested businesses can register here: www.laaccf.org.
I am deeply grateful for the protection Canada offers asylum seekers, and I’m thankful I chose to make this country my new home.
Through this journey, I have learned the importance of building and nurturing networks. Entrepreneurs must go beyond their comfort zones—don’t only connect with people of your own race or background. Canada’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Tap into it with curiosity and openness.
To my fellow women of colour who have migrated here: have a business idea, and start it. There are countless resources for women entrepreneurs in Canada. Do not let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Step out boldly. Your dreams are valid, and your ideas can thrive.”
Randa Orhin tells her story from North York, Ontario, Canada.
