Magdalena's Dream: Education to get Family out of Poverty

Dear Friends and Family,

In Guatemala, poverty is a daily reality for many families, with over 60% living on less than $2 a day, and 21% surviving on just $1 a day.* Delfina, Magdalena and Edwin are one such family, facing incredible challenges but striving for a brighter future. They were born into poverty and need our help to get out ofi its grip and despair. They have next to no income except for what Delfina gets from begging on the sidewalk and from Magdalena's part-time job. Many days they do not have money for food or meds or electricity.

Delfina, now 52, lost both her legs at the age of 12 after being struck by a bus in Guatemala City. Born with a cleft lip, she was unable to attend school, leaving her unable to read or write. At 28, Delfina was raped and gave birth to Magdalena who has been forced to be her mother’s caregiver, only completing school through 6th grade.

Seven years ago, Delfina and Magdalena’s family grew when they adopted a new-born baby boy, Edwin, after a 14 year-old cousin abandoned him. “He is our flesh and blood; we will take him,” they said. He is now in first grade, learning to read and write and is "the best student in the class!" says his teacher! This selflessness, despite their own hardships, speaks volumes about their strength and character.

I met this family 10 years ago and have since been committed to helping them improve their lives. Seven years ago, I did my first GoFundMe campaign to raise money to build them a house, and with the incredible generosity of many of you, we raised $18,000 to purchase a small piece land in Jocotenango. A local NGO called ConstruCasa paid for the construction. In March, the family celebrated 3 years in their new home!!! Thanks to you many donors, they no longer have to live in horrific living conditions and will never be homeless again..

Magdalena has shown remarkable determination, returning to school to complete her education and graduating from high school this past November at the age of 24.....she is now attending the University Mariano Maroquin and is studying Business Administration. It is a struggle for sure, being a mom, a care-taker, an employee and a student but her grades have been excellent. In addition, she has a part-time job working 1-2 days a week in a retail store in Antigua. Her goal is to graduate in 4–5 years and and get a good job to support her family so they can be financially independent.

While we’ve made incredible progress, this journey is far from over. Delfina, Magdalena, and Edwin face daily challenges, including expenses for food, medical care (Delfina has diabetes, Graves’ disease, high chlosterol and high blood pressure), meds, clothing, school tuition and supplies, tutoring, and basic household needs, which I have been covering. As a 77-year-old retiree, I cannot continue to support them on my own. This is where I humbly ask for your help.

We are looking to raise about $35,000. This will get Magdalena through five years of university,. It will also ensure that they will have the essential funds should something happen to me. Money raised will be used as follows. I will provide a periodic accounting.

Your generosity will help cover these essential costs and bring them closer to breaking their cycle of poverty..... Magdalena can complete her education, Delfina can live with dignity, and Edwin can thrive in a stable home. This will be the first time in their lives that they will be self-sufficient...and that is everyone's goal.

Together, we can help this sweet family achieve a better life. .

Would you be willing to make a contribution to this fundraiser? A gift of any amount would be much appreciated!

To donate, simply click the link to my fundraiser below:

Click here to Donate NOW

I would appreciate it if you could also share this fundraiser link with any of your friends, family, or business associates. The more exposure I get, the faster I will reach my fundraising goal.

If you have any questions about this fundraiser or this family, please feel free to contact me. I am so proud of them.

Regards, Linda, Adam, Delfina, Magdalena, and Edwin

*Source: World Health Organization