A Voice for Yolani: Fundraising Campaign

Yolani was brought to Duke from an orphanage in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in October of 2011, when she was 8 years old. She suffered from severe scoliosis and kyphosis, and was severely deformed with a large protrusion on her back as well as a protruding chest cavity. The plan was to do spinal fusion surgery, rehab for a month and then she would return to her orphanage. She WALKED into the hospital in October of 2011. Unfortunately, the outcome of the surgery was not what was hoped for. She ended up with a surgical infection, severe staff infection, a surgical screw breaking through her skin, and eventually, a removal of the hardware that was put in--a total of 5 major surgeries. She has been in a wheelchair since the first surgery, with little use of her legs.
Jeremy and Jaimee Stansell have been Yolani's guardians since November of 2011. They have rearranged their home, their lives, and juggled many balls to care for her with as much grace as you can imagine. She is here on a medical visa and is not eligible for insurance or any government assistance. She was brought here as a charity case at Duke so it was assumed that they would continue her medical care and expenses. Her surgical care will continue to be provided for by Duke, but her care beyond that is not covered. Yolani lives with the Stansell family in Georgia, and they take her back and forth to her appointments at Duke.
In order for Yolani to maintain a somewhat normal life the Stansell's are having a custom wheelchair built for her that will fit her body. They are also going to have a ramp installed in their vehicle as Yolani is becoming more immobile daily. The cost for this is approximately $11,000.  We are starting this fundraising campaign to ask those who feel led to help, to please do so. We all want to help Yolani succeed as much as humanly possible and we ask for your support. No amount is too small.  We thank you all in advance for your support in helping this child.