Support for Bernice Ekman

Support for Bernice Ekman: A Pillar of Our Community in Need** Bernice Ekman, a loving wife, mother, friend, and a true pillar of our community, has been living in El Centenario part-time for the past five years with her husband, Percy, and their little dog, Scruffy. They bought their beautiful retirement home in 2007, when Lomas was just being developed. Since then, both Bernice and Percy have been a constant source of support and kindness to everyone, always willing to lend a helping hand to new and old neighbors alike. Whether it’s providing a tool, a helping hand, or simply a cool drink during happy hour, their door has always been open to those in need. They've also been deeply committed to assisting those less fortunate in our community, offering jobs and support to help families get by.

Now, Bernice needs our help. In March 2024, she was diagnosed with a serious lung condition, and over the past few weeks, her health has rapidly declined. After spending 10 days in the hospital in La Paz with little improvement, Bernice made the difficult decision to take a medical evacuation flight back to Canada for further treatment. However, during a stop in Phoenix, Arizona, her condition worsened. She was rushed to a local hospital’s ICU due to dangerous drops in her oxygen levels.

As Bernice is a Canadian citizen, her medical expenses in the U.S. are not covered. Unfortunately, medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high, and her family now faces overwhelming financial pressure during this incredibly difficult time.

We are asking our community to come together to support Bernice in her time of need. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping to cover her medical expenses and ensure she receives the care she needs. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for standing with Bernice and her family.