Paula's Race to Recovery
Donation protected
On this day of love and friendship, we want to extend a big hug to all of our great friends. Thanks to your prayers and kindness, Paula has continued to improve.
Nonetheless, Paula continues to be in great need for donations, especially to cover monthly deductibles, transportation expenses, and additional help to take care of the kids.
We thank you for your continued kindness, and we send you much love on this day of friendship.
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Paula Umana, former professional tennis champion, is facing the most difficult game of her life!
Paula, a native of Costa Rica, was dedicated to raising five beautiful children with her loving husband, Serge, while passing on her passion for tennis to young children in the Atlanta school programs. But suddenly, life brought a serious challenge to Paula and her family.
Last year, after the birth of Charles, Paula developed paralysis in her legs, arms and hands, losing her ability to walk or even hold her newborn. After months of intensive treatments at hospitals that took her away from home, and countless visits to specialists without any significant improvement, Paula was finally diagnosed with a rare paralyzing autoimmune disease called CIDP--Cerebral Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.
Thank God, Paula was encouraged by countless prayers, her family's love, and many friends and caring people with big hearts who have helped her through the beginning of this struggle. She has been overwhelmed by the encouragement offered during her therapies and so grateful for the folks who have provided the manpower to modify her home and help the family adapt to living with Paula's disability.
Yes, life has changed for Paula and her family. While she is making slow but steady improvement, Paula remains in a wheelchair with assistance from her family and a full time care giver. She is receiving medical treatment and home care from a dedicated team of physicians, therapists and chiropractors. But it feels like she is playing a marathon game! While Paula and her family consider themselves blessed in many ways with her improvements, no one can predict when this battle is going to end.
Now the family and countless friends are praying for Paula's complete recovery; however, the process is expected to be slow and costly as she struggles with partial paralysis. In addition to medical bills and uncovered prescriptions that her family is taking care of, Paula needs 24/7 medical assistance and help with babysitters, transportation, equipment and numerous little things many of us take for granted in life. All of these cumbersome services are estimated to reach 60,000 per year
Please help Paula win the most challenging game of her life through prayers, transportations, time, services, and financial donations. We invite you to do the best you can and share Paula's story with your friends as we are sure you will be rewarded from your giving and loving spirit. Paula and her family can only offer their prayers and sacrifices in return…So, please be kind and thoughtful to do the best you can to make a one-time donation or a monthly donation to help in Paula’s fight for complete recovery. Please click the link to help.
Organizer and beneficiary
Marisol Lacayo
Organizer
Marietta, GA
Glenda Umaña
Beneficiary