As you guys may know my family is still back in Venezuela, a country where the rate of inflation and the collapse of the economy make it nearly impossible for families to buy basic goods, have decent access to medicine and medical care.

My baby sister Valeria finds herself in need of surgery to remove a nodular goiter on her right thyroid gland. Once removed a biopsy will have to be done, as there is a chance it may be malignant. With that possibility, the surgery is time-sensitive.

Valeria is a brilliant and loving 29 year old. She is finishing her studies in social communications, and has 3 years of experience as a producer for radio in Caracas. She is currently in the pre-production stage for her own podcast called "Lucero de la mañana", which means Morning Light. It is a concept taken from a beautiful song from legendary Venezuelan musician Simon Díaz. The song a beautiful and moving plea for a morning star to light the path of a lover who is going on a journey, and should they encounter any trouble on their path for the light to guide them back home. The podcast’s goal is to let the Venezuelan diaspora know that back in Venezuela there are still people doing great things, that they wish them well in their journeys beyond our borders, but to rest assured that they working hard to be that light that will show them the way back to a free and prosperous motherland.

Valeria's spirit is as unbreakable as her hope for our country. She is pushing through with optimism and hope that we will be able to go forward with the surgery and that the biopsy will return benign.  As a family we stand by her attitude, leadership and courage. We kindly ask you to help us raise funds on her behalf, so me may be that light guiding her back to health, so that after recovery she may focus all her energy  on her inspiring project. All Venezuelans could benefit from the space she is creating, a safe space to gather, to reconnect, to dream and build a brighter future for all our people.

The cost of the surgery is $4,000. An amount out of reach for my family at the moment under the country's  current circumstances. The docs have estimated an additional $200 for post-op needs. 

Any small amount helps, and if you are not in a position to donate please help by sharing this with anyone who can.

Your kindness is deeply appreciated and we will forever be grateful for your help and contribution. 

With love and humility,
Georgeana