HELP MY FRIEND MARITZA GET MUCH-NEEDED     KNEE SURGERY




This is Maritza Asana, a Nicaraguan mother and hard worker who lives with chronic knee pain. I know her from my health center in La Paz Centro, Leon. We in the US take our health care for granted. Maritza, who has worked to contribute to her family since she was 11, isn't so lucky. All she needs to stop the chronic pain she lives with is $3000 for a knee replacement.

She sells snack items outside of the center, and we always chat and greet each other while I am in town. We have been friends since the first day I arrived back in March, 2016. She is the first voice I hear when I arrive, always raving "mi bella amor, se ve linda hoy como estas!" Maritza is incredibly lovely, she always has a warm smile on her face, and is incredibly positive despite all her challenges.  

Everytime we chat, I ask her how she is doing, and she always responds " well, but with pain, a lot of pain". I sometimes ask her about her treatments, her doctor, and she always responds with grace and positivity. She always comes into my mind whenever I complain about my small problems. I remind myself of her optimism and kindness despite her health complications and economic circumstances. She helps me remember I have nothing to complain about. 

Martiza's house in La Paz Centro, Leon. She lives with 6 other family members in a 2 bedroom house and sleeps in a hammock. 

At the age of 62, she has osteoarthritis and is in need of a knee replacement. In the photo, you can see her left knee is wrapped in a pressure bandage, which she tells me helps with the day to day swelling, but the pain is never relieved.

One day, I got to thinking, and was wondering why she was prolonging her necessary surgery. When I arrived at the health center, I asked her. She let me know that she has begun saving and it will probably take about 8-9 years for her to gain the funds. Appalled that she is living in constant pain, I offered to start a campaign in her name. She looked at me in disbelief, and started crying.

Even if we can not fund the entire thing, we can at least give her a jump in time to get her surgery done sooner. She is extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity that we can hopefully give her. 

Maritza working outside the health center, where she sells drinks/snacks everyday. 

Maritza makes about $4 a day. Which, in Nicaragua is not uncommon.  $3,000 may seem like a lot, however a knee replacement surgery in the US averages at $49,500. I have spoken with her doctor and hospital staff directly, and this is the only option to ease her pain. 

I want to be clear that she has never asked me for money. I brought up possibly doing a campaign for her after I asked her about how much the surgery was. I have been to two doctor appointments with her and am completely aware of everything she needs - knee replacement is her only option for the pain. She is astounded that American citizens she does not know will consider helping her from the graciousness of their heart. 


Maritza with her 3 grandsons  (Jasser, Alberto, and Juan) and son (Alfonso)


Donors that give $100 or more will receive a thank you video from Maritza and her doctor (attached to your FB wall if you have one, otherwise emailed). Donors that give $50-99 will receive a handwritten thank you letter and photo from Maritiza (with an English translation by me). Donors that give $5-49 will be tagged in a post after the surgery is completed thanking how you helped her overcome her health struggles. 

THANK YOU!!! Let's help a woman in pain get the treatment she needs!!