- S
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As many of you may know, I served in the Peace Corps in Guinea from 2011-2013, an experience that has had an impact on who I am today. During those two years, I met one of the most wonderful, caring and selfless individuals, who became my best friend and companion, my counterpart, Camara Laye.
He taught at the same school I did and showed me that with people like him, Guinea had potential for a better future. He nursed me back to health when I thought I would die from malaria, when I had the flu and when I'd gotten sick from food, never once asking for anything in return. When I had to leave my site, I trusted him with my keys and my cat, and I always knew I could depend on him unconditionally.
If he hadn't been a part of my life in Guinea, I would not have made it through those two years. Whenever I was ready to quit and give up, he somehow showed me that I needed to finish what I had started and convinced me to stay. Countless times I almost gave up and called Peace Corps in tears to come pick me up, and countless times he was there to help me pick up the pieces I'd become. The only thing he ever asked from me was when I had completed my service--he asked for me to someday return to visit him and to never forget him.
Now he needs me, even if he doesn't want to ask me for help. Due to the ebola crisis in Guinea, Camara wasn't working at the school anymore and was forced to find another way to support himself, his elderly mother, and two sisters, one of whom is mentally disabled. Since gold mining was his only option, Camara was in one of the gold mines near my village when it collapsed, killing five people. He was lucky he was able to get out, but now he can't walk and has a hose and a urine bag attached to his body.
I only know of his condition because one of my PC friends is currently in Guinea and was able to see him. He was too embarrassed to tell me in what condition he was in. He is undergoing therapy with two doctors and on medication, but it is too expensive for his family to pay. His treatment is for eight months, and he is already seeing improvements. He has some feeling coming back to his legs, but he needs to continue his treatment. The total cost of doctor visits and medication for his treatment is 16,000,000 GNF, or about $2,120. Just two thousand dollars could save him and his family from years of pain. Unfortunately, that's not something I can cover on my own right now.
I owe Camara Laye so much. Now I am asking for help on his behalf. Whatever you can donate, no matter how small, the amount will go a long way in Guinea. I'm asking for donations to help pay for his doctor visits and medication. I will make sure the money goes to him and his family. Every little bit counts and I thank you for taking the time to help.
To comply with gofundme:
My name is Keila Novoa, I'm from Los Angeles, CA. Camara Laye was my counterpart during Peace Corps. The funds raised on this campaign will be used to pay medical bills. I will be withdrawing the funds in my name and they will be transfered via Western Union/Money Gram.
He taught at the same school I did and showed me that with people like him, Guinea had potential for a better future. He nursed me back to health when I thought I would die from malaria, when I had the flu and when I'd gotten sick from food, never once asking for anything in return. When I had to leave my site, I trusted him with my keys and my cat, and I always knew I could depend on him unconditionally.
If he hadn't been a part of my life in Guinea, I would not have made it through those two years. Whenever I was ready to quit and give up, he somehow showed me that I needed to finish what I had started and convinced me to stay. Countless times I almost gave up and called Peace Corps in tears to come pick me up, and countless times he was there to help me pick up the pieces I'd become. The only thing he ever asked from me was when I had completed my service--he asked for me to someday return to visit him and to never forget him.
Now he needs me, even if he doesn't want to ask me for help. Due to the ebola crisis in Guinea, Camara wasn't working at the school anymore and was forced to find another way to support himself, his elderly mother, and two sisters, one of whom is mentally disabled. Since gold mining was his only option, Camara was in one of the gold mines near my village when it collapsed, killing five people. He was lucky he was able to get out, but now he can't walk and has a hose and a urine bag attached to his body.
I only know of his condition because one of my PC friends is currently in Guinea and was able to see him. He was too embarrassed to tell me in what condition he was in. He is undergoing therapy with two doctors and on medication, but it is too expensive for his family to pay. His treatment is for eight months, and he is already seeing improvements. He has some feeling coming back to his legs, but he needs to continue his treatment. The total cost of doctor visits and medication for his treatment is 16,000,000 GNF, or about $2,120. Just two thousand dollars could save him and his family from years of pain. Unfortunately, that's not something I can cover on my own right now.
I owe Camara Laye so much. Now I am asking for help on his behalf. Whatever you can donate, no matter how small, the amount will go a long way in Guinea. I'm asking for donations to help pay for his doctor visits and medication. I will make sure the money goes to him and his family. Every little bit counts and I thank you for taking the time to help.
To comply with gofundme:
My name is Keila Novoa, I'm from Los Angeles, CA. Camara Laye was my counterpart during Peace Corps. The funds raised on this campaign will be used to pay medical bills. I will be withdrawing the funds in my name and they will be transfered via Western Union/Money Gram.