From Ashes to Hope: Supporting Meijie and Her Newborn

Dear Friends,

Many of you will remember that last year, I launched a fundraiser for an extraordinary young woman, Meijie, who I’ve had the privilege of knowing since she was 9. Meijie is a survivor — an orphan who has faced more hardships than most could ever imagine. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to help her buy a new asthma pump and nebulizer, and get her out of the hospital after battling serious health issues.

Meijie had recently suffered an unimaginable loss — a devastating house fire that wiped out everything she owned. (Please watch the attached video to see the damage.)

Meijie is only 23, but she’s already shown extraordinary resilience. Over the years, she’s endured unimaginable pain: the loss of her mother when she was just 7, the absence of her father who was incarcerated for most of her childhood, and his tragic murder just a few years after his release. Meijie grew up in an orphanage, where we met, and later became the guardian of her younger sister, seeing her through school while navigating her own challenges.

Last year, after her hospital release, Meijie faced yet another setback. She lost her job due to taking too much time off sick. On top of that, she discovered she was pregnant and was advised to stay on bed rest because of her weak chest. She underwent a C-section in February and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Zaiah, who is healthy and thriving.

But Meijie’s struggles haven’t ended. In addition to her own recovery from surgery, Meijie and her partner were forced to move back into their old home, which is still covered in ashes and soot from the fire. Her partner works long hours and only gets two days off a month, so progress on the repairs has been painfully slow. They have no other help.

This is where we can make a real difference. Meijie needs our support now more than ever. Motherhood is challenging under any circumstances, but for Meijie — who has so little — the odds are stacked even higher.

I’m asking for your help, no matter how small, to give Meijie and her precious daughter a fighting chance. Your donation will directly support the cost of hiring a builder and cleaner to restore their home, making it a safe and habitable place for both Meijie and baby Zaiah.

Together, we can help turn their lives around. Please consider donating and sharing this appeal with your own network. Every bit of support counts, and your generosity will provide them with the stability and hope they so desperately need.

With her permission, I am sharing some pictures of their lovely girl and their home.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, for caring, and for your potential help.

With gratitude, Fiona.