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Kelly, an American single mom, and her two young children, Diego and Sofia, need to leave Venezuela--a rapidly failing state, with massive medicine and food shortages, increasing social unrest and on the brink of a civil war--to return to the U.S. fast and safely. The last six months alone have realized:
- No more availability of basic medicines such as antibiotics. A garden-variety ear infection could prove devastating at this point.
- No availability of annual tests needed to keep a check on Kelly's health. She survived breast cancer a year and a half ago, but now has no way to monitor her status ongoing.
- Rapid increases in social unrest, protests and violence--very close to home and the kids' school
- Systematic failure of services and infrastructure have all but entirely wiped out any options for her work.
- Massive food shortages, inciting turmoil, have made even a simple trip to the supermarket a challenge to be taken in caution
She was quickly putting together a plan to leave with her kids and return to the U.S., in coordination--she thought--with the kids' father (who is also planning a return to the States, even to the same city.) But then he presented her with a challenge to custody. She is now stalled in a slow and arduous legal process, bearing representation fees in both countries to ensure the safe return of her kids, and facing starting over for her and her children with literally only the clothes in their suitcases.
A brief backstory and information for funds requested:
A little over four years ago, Kelly moved to Venezuela with her kids and then-husband, with the dream of strengthening their family and starting their own business. About three years ago, she finally had to end the emotionally abusive marriage. Almost immediately after being intimidated out of the home and finding a place for her and her kids to live, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The next year was spent navigating the medical system there, three surgeries and recovery. During this time, her ex secured all assets and records such that she lost everything she'd invested. Her savings went towards medical bills. In the phase of recovery from the last surgery, as her kids were still freshly coping with the separation and mom's cancer, she learned the father had started a new family.
She turned in full devotion to healing--both herself and her kids. Instead of running immediately back to the comfort zone of her home country, she stayed in Venezuela to let the storm in her kids' world settle. Her attitude through it all was stunning. Kelly didn't complain. She found the good in everything, and kept everyone laughing. Then she turned to writing, publishing stories about self-empowerment and inner peace that have gone on to positively impact many lives. It doesn't matter what life throws at this girl, she hasn't stopped helping other people.
Now we want to help her. We want to collect $15,000 that will get her and kids back to safety in the U.S. and start their lives over in peace. Here is an overview of how the funds will be used:
Legal expenses
We can't say much about the legal piece of things; suffice it to say that she has quickly mounting expenses in the form of representation in both countries, as well as huge documentation and notarization fees for reams of paperwork. (If you're wondering, like many, "Why can't she and the kids just leave? They're American!" -- The children are subject to Venezuelan law due to the father.)
Starting from nothing
Kelly will be required to travel alone to the U.S. first to establish work, home, car, school, health insurance, etc. for the kids before they are sent to be with her. (They will be assigned into temporary custody with their father during this period.) She wanted to bring the children with her all at once, but was blocked from moving forward with this arrangement. Staying to fight could easily push the case well into next year and there simply isn't that kind of time. She has to take this arrangement and run to have any hopes of getting her kids out by the end of the year.
She will arrive with only what she can fit in 2 suitcases. All household goods will be left behind, as it is prohibitively expensive to ship. That being said, she wants to be able to at least send a few small boxes of only the most treasured personal items.
She will have approximately 2 months to secure everything--literally walking into an empty apartment or rental house with a couple of bags of clothes. She will need everything to get up and running, from beds to pots and pans and--well, look around your own home to see everything beyond your clothing--in order that the kids have a stable and functional home to arrive to. As well, a quick entry into perhaps leasing a car to get around and make all this happen.
Travel and miscellaneous setup
Airline tickets. As well, possible unknown fees to be prepared for as airlines are pulling out of Venezuela -- there's no guarantee tickets will be honored too far in advance.
While she is looking for work, she will need to cover everything from basic living expenses to renewing her driver's license, establishing a health policy, and be prepared quickly to put a deposit on a home; as well, preparing for the kids' arrival with school supplies, winter clothes, etc.
Kelly is a massively talented writer, with a career in project management under her belt as well--she has no doubt she will get on her feet quickly, but 2 months isn't enough to make all of what was just described happen starting with nothing.
This bright little family deserves peace. The kids have had their world turned upside down many times over in the past 3 years alone. We want to get them started in their new life in as smooth a way as possible. Please contribute anything you can in faith that it will be paid forward, in honor of our shared human experience.
Thank you.
- No more availability of basic medicines such as antibiotics. A garden-variety ear infection could prove devastating at this point.
- No availability of annual tests needed to keep a check on Kelly's health. She survived breast cancer a year and a half ago, but now has no way to monitor her status ongoing.
- Rapid increases in social unrest, protests and violence--very close to home and the kids' school
- Systematic failure of services and infrastructure have all but entirely wiped out any options for her work.
- Massive food shortages, inciting turmoil, have made even a simple trip to the supermarket a challenge to be taken in caution
She was quickly putting together a plan to leave with her kids and return to the U.S., in coordination--she thought--with the kids' father (who is also planning a return to the States, even to the same city.) But then he presented her with a challenge to custody. She is now stalled in a slow and arduous legal process, bearing representation fees in both countries to ensure the safe return of her kids, and facing starting over for her and her children with literally only the clothes in their suitcases.
A brief backstory and information for funds requested:
A little over four years ago, Kelly moved to Venezuela with her kids and then-husband, with the dream of strengthening their family and starting their own business. About three years ago, she finally had to end the emotionally abusive marriage. Almost immediately after being intimidated out of the home and finding a place for her and her kids to live, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The next year was spent navigating the medical system there, three surgeries and recovery. During this time, her ex secured all assets and records such that she lost everything she'd invested. Her savings went towards medical bills. In the phase of recovery from the last surgery, as her kids were still freshly coping with the separation and mom's cancer, she learned the father had started a new family.
She turned in full devotion to healing--both herself and her kids. Instead of running immediately back to the comfort zone of her home country, she stayed in Venezuela to let the storm in her kids' world settle. Her attitude through it all was stunning. Kelly didn't complain. She found the good in everything, and kept everyone laughing. Then she turned to writing, publishing stories about self-empowerment and inner peace that have gone on to positively impact many lives. It doesn't matter what life throws at this girl, she hasn't stopped helping other people.
Now we want to help her. We want to collect $15,000 that will get her and kids back to safety in the U.S. and start their lives over in peace. Here is an overview of how the funds will be used:
Legal expenses
We can't say much about the legal piece of things; suffice it to say that she has quickly mounting expenses in the form of representation in both countries, as well as huge documentation and notarization fees for reams of paperwork. (If you're wondering, like many, "Why can't she and the kids just leave? They're American!" -- The children are subject to Venezuelan law due to the father.)
Starting from nothing
Kelly will be required to travel alone to the U.S. first to establish work, home, car, school, health insurance, etc. for the kids before they are sent to be with her. (They will be assigned into temporary custody with their father during this period.) She wanted to bring the children with her all at once, but was blocked from moving forward with this arrangement. Staying to fight could easily push the case well into next year and there simply isn't that kind of time. She has to take this arrangement and run to have any hopes of getting her kids out by the end of the year.
She will arrive with only what she can fit in 2 suitcases. All household goods will be left behind, as it is prohibitively expensive to ship. That being said, she wants to be able to at least send a few small boxes of only the most treasured personal items.
She will have approximately 2 months to secure everything--literally walking into an empty apartment or rental house with a couple of bags of clothes. She will need everything to get up and running, from beds to pots and pans and--well, look around your own home to see everything beyond your clothing--in order that the kids have a stable and functional home to arrive to. As well, a quick entry into perhaps leasing a car to get around and make all this happen.
Travel and miscellaneous setup
Airline tickets. As well, possible unknown fees to be prepared for as airlines are pulling out of Venezuela -- there's no guarantee tickets will be honored too far in advance.
While she is looking for work, she will need to cover everything from basic living expenses to renewing her driver's license, establishing a health policy, and be prepared quickly to put a deposit on a home; as well, preparing for the kids' arrival with school supplies, winter clothes, etc.
Kelly is a massively talented writer, with a career in project management under her belt as well--she has no doubt she will get on her feet quickly, but 2 months isn't enough to make all of what was just described happen starting with nothing.
This bright little family deserves peace. The kids have had their world turned upside down many times over in the past 3 years alone. We want to get them started in their new life in as smooth a way as possible. Please contribute anything you can in faith that it will be paid forward, in honor of our shared human experience.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kelly Berdine
Beneficiary