Hi everyone and Happy Holidays to you all!

I am writing to you today on behalf of my brother-in-law David Daniel Smith. David is one of the most faithful, servant-hearted, man of God that I know. He volunteers in his church as the worship pastor, youth leader and he also works on the church administration team. He also volunteers at other local churches in Belize leading worship. He is a small business owner of an animation company, In Awe Films

On November 27th, 2021, David woke up with chills, fever, vomiting, and pain in his stomach. He initially thought it was a stomach flu and quickly made his way to a local medical clinic that gave him antibiotics to treat stomach flu from what they thought was food poisoning.

David kept treating himself with various medications over the next few days, but the pain increased to a level where it was unbearable to touch, and he became weaker. It was when David began to urinate blood that both the doctor at the medical clinic and David knew something else was taking place in his body. At the advice of now the second doctor & clinic, David was advised to seek further medical assistant from the Garden City Medical Center in Belmopan. At the recommendation of the doctor, he took a series of tests as well as an ultrasound revealing what was going on internally. At this point, David could not stand without assistance and something like a simple ultrasound was painful to withstand.

On Wednesday night, December 1st, 2021, David saw a surgeon who confirmed after examination that the issue was David’s appendix. The reason for the late detection was because his appendix was in the back and was not displaying the usual signs of appendicitis. He was immediately rushed into emergency surgery. The surgery took longer than it should have because they realized that the appendix had ruptured from the Saturday before and his body was full of puss and infection. The infection was spreading to his liver and across his body.

After the operation, he was reeled in to start his recovery. David continued to have a fever and fight the infection. On Friday, December 3rd, the doctors had to give him a stronger dose of antibiotics because his body was not responding to the regular dosage. David was fighting two infections. One from appendicitis and now a new issue as a result of appendicitis. David had developed multiple abscesses in the scrotum causing major swelling & pain. The doctor had to do a second surgery to drain the scrotum and to allow the swelling to go down. He has to spend another week in the hospital for periodic cleaning and draining of the scrotum.

The first surgery, 5-night stay from Wednesday to Sunday, along with medication and lab test, etc. cost a little over $9500. We are unclear what the second surgery will cost but estimate somewhere in the range of $2000 - $3000. Not to mention that additional days he’ll need to stay to recover.

The family has pooled together funds to help cover this cost, HOWEVER, with the uncertainty on how long the recovery period will be, today I am asking for help on behalf of David & the family. Any gift that you can give is most appreciated and there is no gift too small - or too big for that matter. : )

Thank you for reading and for your generous gift to David Smith. If you’re in Belize and would like to make a direct bank deposit to kindly send to:

David D Smith

Atlantic Bank: 210962859

If you cannot afford to give, perhaps you will kindly share this post. With deep appreciation, Mervin Budram