Caring for Christina's family

Christina Banluta Suba was a remarkable woman. She spent every day working where the need was greatest to improve the lives of others. She worked as a communications officer for the World Health Organization for more than a decade working in places like Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine and even Liberia during the Ebola outbreak. For the past three years she has been working with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) between Sudan and South Sudan. She never let the potential risks of that work outweigh her desire to give. In the end, it was one of those risks, severe malaria, that took her away from us. 

Everyone loved Christina. She radiated joy and laughter and love. When she walked into a room she filled it with positive energy and happiness. But her favorite job was being a mom and wife and recently a grandmother. Her family was everything to her. Although they were back in the Philippines, she flew back to be with them as often as possible. Her new grandson was her deepest joy. She had recently returned home and was planning a wonderful first Christmas with him. 

In mid December, however, she became very sick with severe malaria that she picked up in Sudan. Despite a valiant fight, she died on Friday, December 20th. 

Unfortunately, as is often the case when someone dies, the family bank accounts have been frozen until her affairs are sorted and they are facing real challenges giving her a proper memorial and making it through the holiday season.  

She spent her life helping others. Now it’s our time to give back by helping her family.  I know we all will do it with pleasure. Thank you in advance.