My cousin, Angelica Reyes recently went through a crucial and lifesaving liver transplant for which she is so grateful to God and his helpers. This eight hour operation has given her a second chance of living a normal life at this early stage of life, she just turned 18. The trial of life hasn't been easy for Angelica. A few months ago, she had to endure a painful spine surgery after being diagnosed with a degenerative spine condition called Adolescent scoliosis. Due to this condition, Angelica had to undergo spine surgery where her whole spine had to be fused for which she had to go through months of excruciating physical therapy. She basically had to learn how to walk again. Through all of these life changing experiences, Angelica remained upbeat and motivated to keep as close as a normal life that she could in order to be able to fulfill her life goals and dreams to give back to society through her devotion to God and family, the same way God has given her life. While many of us had a chance to celebrate our 18th birthday at home with our family and friends, Angelica had to spend her 18th birthday in the hospital preparing to be implanted with a life saving liver transplant, from a God sent generous donor. At the moment, Angelica is recovering at home being attended by her mother. Angelica is not out of the woods yet, but she’s thankful that she has a caring mother, that has volunteered to stay at home to care for her. Even as Angelica is recovering at home and being driven twice a week to her doctor’s appointments, she is still bent on graduating from high school on time. When at home and not feeling under the weather, Angelica has been home schooling in order graduate from high school. While every indication points to a successful operation, there is still months of recovery to come for Angelica. It hasn’t been easy for Angelica’s parents, as you might imagine as well. Her parents are feeling the struggles that come with staying financially afloat while making sure their focus is on Angelica’s physical and mental health. While many of us, have no other choice but to be a two income household be it out of necessity, some have to make the hard decision of foregoing that privilege in order to care for a love one. These decision aren’t always easy but thanks to the grace of God, humanity has shown that when someone is in need, family, friends and even strangers are there to help each other. One might say that’s what a family has to do for their children, but the truth is, families should not have to go at it alone. God has a purpose for Angelica and being able to forego an eight hour operation and go home to her family where she belongs, is a miracle. We are all grateful and give thanks to Dr Michael Angelis and his transplant team, Karen, Kahli and Awilda as well as the pathology team, Dellys Soler Rodriguez, Regino Gonzalez Peralta, and the nurses that kept Angelica motivated and in high spirits and nurses, Nikki, Princess, Kimberly and everyone at Advent Health Orlando that was a part of the process. Without these mentioned and God giving them the knowledge and hand to perform this kind of operation, it won't have been possible. As when a child of God is in need, I come to family, friends and fellow humanitarian, for grace and support of this family so that we may be able to alleviate the financial stress that comes with being in a position in which we have to put our children’s health and well being above all. I thank you in advance for your kind offerings and I wish that God bless you for your kind understanding and kind gesture.

Sincerely,

Luis Carrasquillo