“I believe when Americans see that laws aren’t being followed – not just immigration laws, but other laws – it frightens people. And when people are frighten they tend to show it, and it can come off as being racist.” – Danny Spurlock, son-in-law of Olivia & Belino Iway
—
Doctors Olivia & Belino Iway came to the United States in 1974 from the Philippines on student visas, carrying $200 in their pockets and three young children to care for. After Belino completed his medical residency in New York City, where their fourth child was born, the family was invited to move to Elkhart, Kansas, to staff the small town’s fledgling hospital. Over a career of 30 years in that community, the Drs. Iway built the hospital into its present capacity of several hundred employees with specialized units that draw in patients from many of the larger surrounding communities.
We joined the Iways at a house of theirs in the Kansas City metro while they were in town for a fundraising gala two of their daughters organized.
The Iway’s first-born, Dr. Yvonne Spurlock, lives in the Kansas City metro with her husband, Dr. Daniel Spurlock, and their three daughters, Sophia, Alexa and Mia. Their second daughter, Dr. Christine Nedeau, also lives in the KC area with her husband Joel and their children Cara and Jack and their nephew Matthew Iway. Joel’s mother, Jane Nedeau, lives with them and helps care for the Nedeau, Iway and Spurlock children.
Belino and Olivia’s third child, Dr. Edsel Iway (Matthew’s father), was also in town with his wife, Dr. BiAnn Iway, and their son Zachary. The youngest of the four Iway children, Steph, and her husband Tom Nichols, were not able to join for the weekend’s conversation and gala.
In the video above, Olivia and Belino share parts of their immigration story, and the family discusses how immigration policies seem to have shifted since the ’70s.
—
KCPT’s Hale Center for Journalism presents Your Fellow Americans, a documentary web series exploring race, immigration and the American Dream. In this pilot season, join multiple generations from six different families as they discuss their American experience around the dinner table. Watch episodes, go behind the scenes and join the conversation athttp://kcpt.org/yourfellowamericans.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…