Hi, my name is Jan Summers. I am fundraising for my long-time friend and former student Devane Arthurs and his mother Irma to help pay legal costs for Devane to become an American citizen. I met Devane when he started at KingLab School in Evanston, Illinois. I was the school nurse. Devane is an immigrant from Belize and was starting 2nd grade. His mother fled Belize with her 5 young boys in 1990. When his mom (Irma) was 15 years old, she was the number one female softball player in Belize. She was selected by the head of the Belizean army to marry him and provide him with many children. He was much older than she and he quickly became physically and verbally abusive to her and the boys. Her life became unmanageable and she eventually was able to flee the country in the middle of the night with her 5 sons. Devane was 2 years old at the time and the youngest child. It took 2 years to eventually arrive in the US. Meanwhile, Devane developed swollen joints and chronic pain. It took several years to diagnose him with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus once he was in the US . He began treatment which continues to his current age of 36. More recently he was hit by a car while walking across the street injuring his left knee and leg. These extensive injuries have basically crippled him. He is still trying to become an American citizen. According to current law, Devane is required to return to Belize and begin the immigration process all over again. Irma reports he would most likely be killed if he were forced to return since he doesn't speak the language, has no relatives there and would not receive the medical care required. Irma works as a housekeeper/nanny and is extremely diligent and reliable. Devane is disabled and unable to contribute financially. She alone bears the legal fees over $10,000 which is beyond her means. The lawyer is working to get a medical waiver so that Devane can remain in his home with his mom during the immigration process. I have known these 2 wonderful folks for 30 years and can vouch for their beautiful characters. I have briefly summarized their tribulations here and hope that you find the kindness in your heart to help Irma and Devane. Please contribute here and make a better day for yourself and for them. Thank you so much!