Gallbladder surgery for Patty
Donation protected
Patty Lacan is a 28 year old single mother living in Guatemala. Patty is in immediate need of gall bladder surgery.
Leceta met Patty a number of years ago when Patty’s mother worked as a Nannie at a children’s home in Guatemala. Wendy met Patty during her visits with OUR Guatemala, Travel with Purpose groups. We last saw Patty in person back in February when she attended Wendy’s daughter Mya’s quinceanera, and have maintained phone contact from afar. She is our friend, and a friend to many of the Guatemalans that we love and hold dear. Patty is also linked to our adoption community as a foster sister. Her mother lovingly fostered 6 children before they joined their adoptive families in the US.
Before the COVID-19 crisis hit Guatemala, Patty was proudly working at The Good Hotel in Antigua (where Wendy’s first OUR Guatemala group stayed) which allowed her to proudly support herself and her 6 year old daughter. With the country now locked down since March and no international travelers nor national guests, like countless others Patty has lost her job. She had begun to sell tamales but families in her community are all in the same situation and barely have enough to survive with little to no income or savings. Travel restrictions within the departments of Guatemala make all efforts difficult. Unlike the United States or Canada, there are no governmental safety nets- in Guatemala even to get food it has become either beg and survive or don’t and die for so many. This is a truly desperate situation even without the need for surgery.
Patty has been experiencing chronic extreme pain forcing her to the doctor for evaluation. Her diagnosis is cholelithiasis- her gallbladder is full of gallstones. The doctor explained that her stones are too large to be treated with oral medicine, and that her gallbladder is essentially not functioning and needs to be removed. She is at high risk of a gallstone moving to block the duct. If that should happen, the surgery would be more complicated. The time is now to safely remove the gallbladder. Reality is, her condition could be fatal. This is devastating to say the least. Patty told Leceta that if she were alone, with the pain she is experiencing and lack of funds she would accept death. Patty fears for her daughter. She is her reason for living and Leceta has witnessed the beautiful relationship between mother and child. Patty fears leaving her daughter parentless in Guatemala. Of note, Patty has not requested aid. Leceta only became aware of the situation after Patty shared her diagnoses in a recent chat. Leceta immediately understood how dire the situation was due to her friendship with Patty, her family and work situation and the realities of life in Guatemala.
We have independently verified the test results provided by Patty, an unnecessary step knowing Patty’s integrity. But for peace of mind to potential donors, we wanted to assure you this is indeed an urgent necessity. The cost for this surgery in Guatemala is $1500. In the USA the same surgery can range $24,000-$50,000+ making $1500 seem like a great bargain. But $1500 in Guatemala is just as unattainable as the equivalent cost in the States for someone currently without work. We are hopeful that among many of our friends and community who are thriving during the coronavirus crisis can chip in and help Patty with this life saving surgery. We are asking for a total of $2200 so that she can prepare for food and rent while she recovers, ensuring the safety of both Patty and her daughter.
The surgery can be scheduled in as fast as 2 days once the surgery fee is paid. Please if you are able to give any amount- it doesn’t matter how small- together we can help Patty receive the surgery she needs and the international love and support to see her healed! Thank you, sincerely!
Leceta Chisholm Guibault
Wendy Bogers
Leceta met Patty a number of years ago when Patty’s mother worked as a Nannie at a children’s home in Guatemala. Wendy met Patty during her visits with OUR Guatemala, Travel with Purpose groups. We last saw Patty in person back in February when she attended Wendy’s daughter Mya’s quinceanera, and have maintained phone contact from afar. She is our friend, and a friend to many of the Guatemalans that we love and hold dear. Patty is also linked to our adoption community as a foster sister. Her mother lovingly fostered 6 children before they joined their adoptive families in the US.
Before the COVID-19 crisis hit Guatemala, Patty was proudly working at The Good Hotel in Antigua (where Wendy’s first OUR Guatemala group stayed) which allowed her to proudly support herself and her 6 year old daughter. With the country now locked down since March and no international travelers nor national guests, like countless others Patty has lost her job. She had begun to sell tamales but families in her community are all in the same situation and barely have enough to survive with little to no income or savings. Travel restrictions within the departments of Guatemala make all efforts difficult. Unlike the United States or Canada, there are no governmental safety nets- in Guatemala even to get food it has become either beg and survive or don’t and die for so many. This is a truly desperate situation even without the need for surgery.
Patty has been experiencing chronic extreme pain forcing her to the doctor for evaluation. Her diagnosis is cholelithiasis- her gallbladder is full of gallstones. The doctor explained that her stones are too large to be treated with oral medicine, and that her gallbladder is essentially not functioning and needs to be removed. She is at high risk of a gallstone moving to block the duct. If that should happen, the surgery would be more complicated. The time is now to safely remove the gallbladder. Reality is, her condition could be fatal. This is devastating to say the least. Patty told Leceta that if she were alone, with the pain she is experiencing and lack of funds she would accept death. Patty fears for her daughter. She is her reason for living and Leceta has witnessed the beautiful relationship between mother and child. Patty fears leaving her daughter parentless in Guatemala. Of note, Patty has not requested aid. Leceta only became aware of the situation after Patty shared her diagnoses in a recent chat. Leceta immediately understood how dire the situation was due to her friendship with Patty, her family and work situation and the realities of life in Guatemala.
We have independently verified the test results provided by Patty, an unnecessary step knowing Patty’s integrity. But for peace of mind to potential donors, we wanted to assure you this is indeed an urgent necessity. The cost for this surgery in Guatemala is $1500. In the USA the same surgery can range $24,000-$50,000+ making $1500 seem like a great bargain. But $1500 in Guatemala is just as unattainable as the equivalent cost in the States for someone currently without work. We are hopeful that among many of our friends and community who are thriving during the coronavirus crisis can chip in and help Patty with this life saving surgery. We are asking for a total of $2200 so that she can prepare for food and rent while she recovers, ensuring the safety of both Patty and her daughter.
The surgery can be scheduled in as fast as 2 days once the surgery fee is paid. Please if you are able to give any amount- it doesn’t matter how small- together we can help Patty receive the surgery she needs and the international love and support to see her healed! Thank you, sincerely!
Leceta Chisholm Guibault
Wendy Bogers
Organizer
wendy bogers
Organizer
Wheeling, WV