Dearest friends, family, and any beautiful soul who may be reading this, my name is Monica Mora and I am asking for assistance for my amazing mother-in-law, Elia Maria Torres (affectionately known as Mita to my children) in Nicaragua. Mita has been having incredible pain in her abdomen area and, upon examination at the local health clinic, was found to have a mass approximately 7cm in length on her right ovary. She was told that she needed to have surgery to remove the mass. For those who do not know the medical system or quality of care in Nicaragua, it is inconsistent and highly dependent on the ability to pay for competent care. (Those of you who know my dear husband, Levis, know that he lost his father to medical negligence after a simple surgical procedure at a local health clinic.) Mita was urged to get a second opinion from a more experienced doctor and we were able to wire her $500 to pay for a thermography scan at Vivian Pellas Hospital in the capital (1 1/2 hours away from her home). This evening, Thursday 11/4, we received the news that the mass has attached to Mita's kidney and surgery is needed to determine the extent and severity of the mass. Depending on the results, they will either remove the mass or determine further course of action. The surgery with this doctor at Vivian Pellas Hospital is scheduled for November 15; however, it is not covered by insurance. Mita is a retired elementary school teacher who lives on a VERY modest and set income each month ($200).

Mita is a devoted mother of four wonderful children and the cherished grandmother of 10. Any of her children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, friends, neighbors and colleagues will tell you what a loving, selfless, youthful, Godly person Mita is. Faith and family are the two most important things in her life. As her daughter-in-law, I can tell you how beyond blessed I am to have her in my life as my mother-in-law and my friend. She is loved so very dearly.

I am asking for any assistance you may be able to provide...no amount ($1, $5, $10) is too small...to help pay for Mita's surgery, aftercare, follow up medical bills, future rehabilitation services, and transportation. We have no idea what the final bill may be as we are still in unknown territory, so we are asking for $20,000. Immediate funds are greatly appreciated. Anyone living in Nicaragua who may prefer to give directly to Mita, please contact me and I will connect you. Additionally and equally important, all positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers and love sent to Mita are immensely helpful and valued as is forwarding this message to any lovely souls that may be willing to help.

With so much love, gratitude and appreciation, Monica.