I met my fiance, Oscar Mario a little over two years ago in the tiny fishing town of Tortuguero, Costa Rica when I asked a local if he could find a "Tico" who could take me fishing. Little did I know that this moment would change my everything. Oscar Mario, or as the tourists call him "Mowgli", enchanted me from the "hello". I was in awe of how easily he could scale a coconut tree and crack it open with his bare hands, and how authentically brave he was in life's many storms. Now 2 years and many amazing adventures later, I am blessed to call "Mowgli" my fiance and begin this new life chapter with my best friend. Currently however, once agile and unstoppable Oscar Mario cannot walk due to progressive problems that have arisen from an accident that left him with a shattered leg when he was hit by a wreckless driver 10 years ago. While the chronic pain and residual complications have been trying over the past years, the metal rods and pins in his leg have shifted and he is currently bed-ridden and unable to walk; he needs an operation to remove these and let his leg heal and regain movement. His livelihood as a tour guide depends on his ability to paddle and hike and share the beauty of Costa Rica with the many tourists who come to Tortuguero. As I pack and prepare for a new job in Costa Rica and this new part of our life advenure, my heart is breaking. We have grasped at straws to gather the funds, but are short the remaining $4,000 in order to get the procedure done. His condition has been in rapid decline over the past few months and yet I had hoped the surgery could be put off until I had begun working and could save some money. Oscar Mario is prideful, willful and strong...and also loving, and kind and gentle. He has saved my life in so many and has inspired me to be who I am today...a survivor who will stop at nothing to support help and heal the man I love. I am hopeful that I can get him scheduled for surgery as soon as possible. Collective support whether through a donation or through love, actively humbles me by the pure goodness that exists in people in a sometimes terrifying world. Any donation, no matter how small, will be a blessing and my gratitude is without words...Love, peace and happy tidings, KT
