Let me preface this with I didn't want to write this.

I didn't want to be the one to put into words the heartbreaking story I'm about to announce. I didn't want to because it would make it real. My friend is sick. She's in pain. 
 
It took some prayers and a long drive blaring music. It took a lot of tears. I couldn’t find the words. I couldn’t find the strength to put it out there. Then I realized if she could spend her strength, get up and fight through constant pain (not to mention she does it with the warmest smile) ... every day...every single day...then I can definitely find the strength to write this. 

Meet Zaida. A spitfire Cuban mother of two (not including her work daughters),  grandmother of 4,  with a bigger heart than anyone  I've ever met. I was blessed to meet her when I joined an amazing team at an Insurance Underwriter called DUAL North America. Little did I know that when I signed on to become part of the team that I signed on for extraordinary friendships with a truly remarkable group of people. A group that I can always lean on and learn with. A group that supports each other in growth and spirit in every way. A group that plays an integral part of my everyday life, my everyday happiness. A group that has become family. Zaida is a part of the sunshine that is this group and she has found herself in need of our help.  

Zaida has Scleroderma. Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues — the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. Treatment and medications can ease the symptoms, however, there is no cure for this disease.  

Some of the symptom's that Zaida is experiencing are: 

Skin- She has hardening and tightening of patches of skin. Her skin becomes shiny because it's so tight, and her movement becomes restricted. 
Body- She has exaggerated responses to cold temperatures or emotional distress, which causes her numbness and pain. Her joints are swollen and painful. Her hands and fingers swell. She struggles with muscle weakness, dry eyes, and mouth.
Digestive- Zaida gets acid reflux and has problems absorbing nutrients since her intestinal muscles aren't moving food properly through her intestines.
Lungs-She has shortness of breath and tightness in her chest.

 
Some of the complications Zaida could face in the future are:

Fingertips- The restricted blood flow could permanently damage the tissue at the fingertips, causing pits or skin sores (ulcers). In some cases, gangrene and amputation may follow.
Lungs- Scarring of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) can result in reduced lung function, reduced ability to breathe and reduced tolerance for exercise. High blood pressure can develop in the arteries to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Kidneys- Elevated blood pressure and an increased level of protein. More-serious effects of kidney complications may include renal crisis, which involves a sudden increase in blood pressure and rapid kidney failure.
Heart- Scarring of heart tissue increases the risk of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) and congestive heart failure and can cause inflammation of the membranous sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis). Scleroderma can also raise the pressure on the right side of the heart and cause it to wear out.
Teeth- Severe tightening of facial skin can cause the mouth to become smaller and narrower, which may make it hard to brush teeth or to even have them professionally cleaned. People who have scleroderma often don't produce normal amounts of saliva, so the risk of dental decay increases even more.
Digestive system-Digestive problems associated with scleroderma can lead to acid reflux and difficulty swallowing — some describe feeling as if food gets stuck midway down the esophagus — as well as bouts of constipation alternating with episodes of diarrhea.

Zaida's condition has left her unable to work full-time. In addition to her physical challenges, Zaida now has the added burden of being unable to cover her bills - both medical and personal. She has applied for disability; however, the approval process could take upwards of 3 years. We have calculated what it would take to cover Cobra Insurance, medical treatments, doctor visits, prescriptions and other personal expenses during that time and came up with a goal of $100,000. With this GoFundMe page, we are hoping to raise enough money to provide Zaida with some relief so that she can focus on taking care of herself and keep blessing us with that warm smile.