Hope Against All Odds: The Esther Wehyee Story

Hello, my name is Kabwe Benaya, and along with Nelly Clarke, we're launching this fundraiser on behalf of our friend and sister, Esther Wehyee.

I (Kabwe Benaya) first met Esther Wehyee during a Christmas church service in 2016, and I (Nelly Clark) in 2017, stepping in as her Fredericton First Friend to assist her settlement. Esther, a Liberian refugee, arrived in Canada in 2016, leaving behind her son Daniel, who was separated from her during the Liberian war at the age of four. After 17 years of searching, Esther was finally reunited through an emotional video call with Daniel (who was located in Cote d’Ivoire) in 2017. Facing challenges, Esther worked tirelessly to bring Daniel to Canada, but before this could happen he tragically passed away on November 23, 2023, in Liberia after falling ill briefly in October. Esther is devastated by this loss, grappling with indescribable pain. Against all odds, she clung to the hope that her son would join her in Canada. Besides prayer support, we request your help to offset medical and funeral expenses. Esther, having depleted her savings and with minimal income, needs our support to ease the financial burden of this loss. Your donation will significantly contribute to helping Esther meet these expenses and alleviate her worries about bills, even if only for a few months.

Thank you for your generous donation.

Kabwe Benaya and Nelly Clarke

THE FULL STORY

"HOPE AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE ESTHER WEHYEE STORY"

I (Kabwe Benaya) first met Esther Wehyee during a Christmas church service in 2016, and I (Nelly Clark) in 2017, stepping in as her Fredericton First Friend to assist her settlement. Esther, a Liberian refugee from a UN Refugee camp in Cote d'Ivoire since December 2016, swiftly transformed from a mere acquaintance into an integral part of both our families through countless shared moments and lasting memories. We couldn't help but be captivated by the warmth and sweet spirit of her personality.

Esther arrived in Canada alone in September 2016, settling in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Her young 4-year-old son Daniel became separated from her during the Liberian war one fateful morning. Life had become hard in Liberia. So early that morning, along with others, Esther went to seek work in fields across town, leaving Daniel in the care of a neighbour named Hannah. Tragically, rebels invaded their village in Esther's absence, prompting chaos and loss. Warned to flee, Esther ran, screaming and crying for her son. Red Cross trucks eventually transported the fleeing thousands to Refugee Camps in Cote d'Ivoire.

In the crowded refugee camp, Esther tirelessly searched for Daniel, asking everyone about his whereabouts. This search persisted for 17 years until her immigration papers for Canada were approved, and she left for Canada in September 2016. In March 2017, a phone call from an immigrant in Toronto, who had known from the same refugee camp, told her that Daniel had been located in Cote d'Ivoire. A moving video call marked their reunion, bringing tears of joy after 17 years of separation.

Yet, life continued to present challenges. Esther worked relentlessly to raise funds for Daniel's immigration to Canada. With the ceasefire in Liberia, Daniel, along with his adopted mother Hannah and her children, returned to Liberia, facing difficult conditions upon arrival. Unfortunately, Hannah passed away in December 2022 from heart failure deepening Esther's grief.

Esther, unwavering in her determination to bring Daniel to Canada, worked multiple jobs at the expense of her own health and comfort. Their constant communication carried reassurances that one day they would be together. In the second week of October 2023, Daniel fell ill. Despite Esther sending money for medical attention, his condition worsened, and sadly, on Thursday, November 23rd, he passed away from severe abdominal pains.

Esther is devastated by this loss, grappling with indescribable pain. Against all odds, she clung to the hope that her son would join her in Canada. Besides prayer support, we appeal for your help to offset medical and funeral expenses. Esther, having depleted her savings and with minimal income, needs our support to ease the financial burden of this loss. Your donation will significantly contribute to helping Esther meet these expenses and alleviate her worries about bills, even if only for a few months.

THANK YOU.