My Aunt is in IMMEDIATE need of Aneurysm Repair.

****URGENT UPDATE***

***Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023-

Erica is currently in Colombia fighting for her life. After her assessment, her doctors realized that she must undergo three surgeries instead of one to return to a manageable state. As an unforeseen expense, she must now pay an additional USD $10, 670.00 to have the first procedure done. According to her cardiologist, the procedure is absolutely necessary and has to be completed before the other two. She is accompanied only by her daughter who is pleading for any assistance that you can give. Every little contribution will make a difference for this life that has touched so many.***

If you are new to this request for support, please read below and reach out for any more information on how you may further support.

ORIGINAL STORY

Hi folks! If you're reading this, you probably know who I am. What you may not know, or are just beginning to learn, is that I'm a St. Lucian. Additionally, I was raised by 6 beautiful, strong women who have molded me into the woman you see today. One of these magnificent ladies is my aunty, Erica, who taught me that no matter what to always do the right thing, to cherish the wonders of life and the earth, and to always be brave. She's carried these values through her entire life, working as a nurse's assistant, fighting to spread proper healthcare throughout our small country. She does this while offering care that starts with a warm heart, always.

At this point in Aunty Erica's life, she has been battling her heart for several years now and has had several incidences which have landed her in the hospital multiple times for days on end...with our whole family on edge. She's not healing because she needs surgery to fix the tear in her aorta. The procedure is referred to as an "Aortic Aneurysm Repair." This aortic aneurysm is the very same thing that killed my grandmother, almost killed my other aunty, and now threatens her life.

In America, this is not a life or death medical situation. Whether you can afford it or not, you will find a way to be treated through grants, social welfare organizations, loans, credit cards, second and third mortgages, adequate healthcare and medical insurance- you name it.

However, in smaller countries like mine, St. Lucia, the options, IF available, are slim and only available to a select few. In addition, the medical resources needed to effectively address her ailments and maintain her health until she recovers are just not accessible. This problem multiplies the cost, compounds the stress, and leaves my aunty and my family in a hopeless state. We just do not have the means to support her medical needs. Please help!!!! The last time my aunty and I were together, she was feeling well; she was so happy, at peace, and full of life. It is NOT her time. She has two children: a recent college graduate with a bachelor's degree and an entrepreneur, who taught herself how to do acrylics as a teenager (she now aspires to go to beauty school, get certified and have her own business at the age of 21).

Since I returned to America in April, at the end of May, my aunt has been in the hospital twice. She's running out of time. Please help me raise the money needed for my aunty's surgery, after care, and to keep her living. Our country does not have the facilities or specialists available to even attempt the crucial procedure.

Therefore, she'll have to travel from Saint Lucia to Colombia, with one of her children to care for her post- surgery. This period has a minimum expectation of two (2) months for recovery at the respective medical facility.

I beg you, friends, family, strangers, care takers, nurses, people who swore to heal, care for and protect the less fortunate, whose vows know no geographical or cultural boundaries, give my aunty a gift of kindess. Please dig in your pockets, your seat cushions. Skip your daily Starbucks (Yes, I'm doing it too, lol) and JOIN me. Sacrifice a small piece of your life to save the life of another.