Please Help Philipo Walk Again
Donation protected
On March 18, Philipo and his father Jon were in a horrible bus accident. Philipo's leg was badly broken in several places, and Jon's right arm had to be amputated. When Jon was released from the hospital, my immediate family and I sent them $1,000 to help cover the cost of Jon's hospital stay. Last week, Philipo was released and his parents cannot afford to pay their bill, so we're asking you for help in raising $1,500 by the end of April. Philipo's medical bill is $1,200, and the additional $300 will go towards supporting him and his family until his father Jon is well enough to continue working, in addition to covering the costs of Philipo's physical therapy.
During the 2 years I spent in the Peace Corps living in Tanzania, their family became my family. They were my next door neighbors, and they warmly welcomed me into their family and helped with introducing me to everyone in their community. Philipo's mom Prisca helped me with cooking, dishes, and laundry, and I helped to pay part of her children's school fees. I don't know how I would have survived over there without her help (though she thoroughly enjoyed making fun of my inability to take care of myself right to my face... I could have done without that). Philipo and his younger sister Kali would come over to watch Disney movies on my computer and would always ask for popcorn, so I was always sure to have it in stock. Jon would occasionally come over in the evenings just to chat, and by the end of my 2 years there, I had a good enough grasp of their language that we were able to communicate on a deeper level. We'd discuss our views on culture, politics, morality, and so on. I thoroughly enjoyed their company, grew to love all of them, and still miss them every day.
As a family of 5 (I haven't yet met their new 1 year old baby), they survive on a total of about $10/day. Jon is a subsistence farmer, and Prisca cooks donuts and pancakes to sell to the students at the nearby high school where I worked. They have no health insurance and no way to pay their medical bills without our help. I ask you to consider giving whatever you can to help Philipo and his family.
Philipo is now 12 years old and is the eldest child in his family. He had the highest grades in his class during the time I was there (I hope he still does!) and the thought of him having to leave school because he is unable to walk or because he has to find a way to help support his family to pay back their medical bills just breaks my heart. Your support will ensure that he will be able to continue his education, and hopefully walk again someday soon. Please give what you can and help a boy and his family in their time of great need.
Also, please share this with friends, family, and anyone who might be able to help. To all who donate, I promise to send you video of Philipo as soon as he is able to walk again. Thank you in advance for your support!
(In the picture: Me, Prisca,
Philipo, a neighbor (I forgot his name), and Kali)
During the 2 years I spent in the Peace Corps living in Tanzania, their family became my family. They were my next door neighbors, and they warmly welcomed me into their family and helped with introducing me to everyone in their community. Philipo's mom Prisca helped me with cooking, dishes, and laundry, and I helped to pay part of her children's school fees. I don't know how I would have survived over there without her help (though she thoroughly enjoyed making fun of my inability to take care of myself right to my face... I could have done without that). Philipo and his younger sister Kali would come over to watch Disney movies on my computer and would always ask for popcorn, so I was always sure to have it in stock. Jon would occasionally come over in the evenings just to chat, and by the end of my 2 years there, I had a good enough grasp of their language that we were able to communicate on a deeper level. We'd discuss our views on culture, politics, morality, and so on. I thoroughly enjoyed their company, grew to love all of them, and still miss them every day.
As a family of 5 (I haven't yet met their new 1 year old baby), they survive on a total of about $10/day. Jon is a subsistence farmer, and Prisca cooks donuts and pancakes to sell to the students at the nearby high school where I worked. They have no health insurance and no way to pay their medical bills without our help. I ask you to consider giving whatever you can to help Philipo and his family.
Philipo is now 12 years old and is the eldest child in his family. He had the highest grades in his class during the time I was there (I hope he still does!) and the thought of him having to leave school because he is unable to walk or because he has to find a way to help support his family to pay back their medical bills just breaks my heart. Your support will ensure that he will be able to continue his education, and hopefully walk again someday soon. Please give what you can and help a boy and his family in their time of great need.
Also, please share this with friends, family, and anyone who might be able to help. To all who donate, I promise to send you video of Philipo as soon as he is able to walk again. Thank you in advance for your support!
(In the picture: Me, Prisca,Philipo, a neighbor (I forgot his name), and Kali)
Organizer
Ryan Shortal
Organizer
Kirkwood, MO
