Miriam is a single mother of three who came to the U.S. legally from Guatemala, seeking safety from violence and a better future for her children. Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she has worked tirelessly to keep her family together, sending what little she could back home to support relatives in crisis. Now her own family is in the middle of overlapping emergencies and they urgently need help.
- 13-year-old Leo was diagnosed on September 4th with aggressive cancer. He began chemotherapy today (September 5th). Doctors are running tests to determine if it is lymphoma or leukemia, and palliative care is involved to help manage his symptoms and support his treatment. He is fighting for his life and needs his mother by his side.
- Merari (18), Miriam’s oldest daughter, gave birth on September 3rd at the same hospital as her brother was diagnosed to a healthy baby boy, Josue. She had to leave high school to care for him and depends on her mother as she adjusts to life as a teenage mom.
- The family’s apartment is roach-infested and unsafe, especially for a newborn and for a child whose immune system is being destroyed by chemotherapy.
- Several weeks ago, Miriam’s brother in Guatemala died of cancer. She sent money to help with his funeral, which left the family behind on rent.
They are now days away from eviction, owing $2,000 in back rent, with no way for Miriam to catch up. She cannot work right now. Her days are spent at the hospital with 13-year-old Leo and her nights caring for her daughter and newborn grandson.
We are raising $10,000 to:
- Pay the $2,000 in back rent and cover several months of housing so the family does not lose their home
- Help them move to a safe, pest-free apartment
- Provide transportation and basic expenses so Miriam can remain with 13-year-old Leo during chemotherapy
- Give stability to baby Josue and his young mother during this critical time
This family fled violence in search of safety. They found hope here, but now through no fault of their own they are at risk of losing everything. With your help, they can stay together in a safe home while 13-year-old Leo fights cancer and baby Josue begins his life surrounded by family.
Every gift matters. Please consider donating and sharing to support Miriam, 13-year-old Leo, Merari, and baby Josue as they fight to stay strong in the hardest season of their lives.
I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of the family, and I will personally distribute all funds directly to them for housing, medical, and basic needs.
Organizer
Raissa Park
Organizer
Fort Lauderdale, FL