My name is Joseph Carmody. I'm the Training Director of the psychiatry program at Maimonides Medical Center. I've been working here for the past six years. Throughout my time here I've had the great fortune to be working with Maria Vera - who holds the position of residency program coordinator. Maria embodies the very spirit of compassionate professionalism. 

In December of 2016, Maria was diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia. This is a treatable form of cancer, but the treatment has required lengthy hospital stays, and 24 hour infusions of chemotherapy. Maria will also need a Bone Marrow Transplant, which will take place in the upcoming weeks. While getting the transplant she will need to be in the hospital for up to 4 weeks, and then move to a temporary living facility for up to another 4 weeks. Throughout she has maintained her graceful, humorous disposition. 

Being in the hospital for weeks on end, and receiving physically taxing treatment, has contributed to a financial hardship. She has bills, a mortgage, and a beloved dog. The amount disability covers is meager. With the looming prospect of needing a 2 month hospital stay, Maria simply cannot make ends meet and is already falling behind. 

Maria has given much of herself to the program. Last year when she tore a ligament in her foot and was unable to walk, she coordinated the applicant recruitment process from home for weeks. Her work is not a job, her work is a commitment to the people she serves. Every person that has worked with her knows this to be true.

This is a volunteer effort to help support Maria. The stress of enduring such a difficult treatment in the fight of her life should not be compounded by mounting financial worries. Please join us in helping Maria. If not a donation, spreading the word on facebook has been effective in expanding the circle of support.