Over the last 13 months, Susan and I have been helping a family of immigrants from Ecuador who escaped dangerous conditions in their home country in hopes of finding a better, safer life for their family. Forced out of their rural, mountain community by violent Colombian drug traffickers and cartel goons who were seeking a new foothold, this sweet young family has suffered greatly.

They traveled thousands of miles on foot through thick, dangerous jungles, across mountains, rivers, and deserts with small children in tow. They eventually arrived in the US and applied for asylum. They came with little more than each other, the desire for a better life and the clothes they were able to wear or carry.

After they were sent to Chicago, Susan met a few of them on the street one day. Since that chance meeting she has committed countless hours to help them find medical care, housing, services, and more. She has done more than anyone would reasonably expect (I am unimaginably proud of her), but we both want to do more.

The family has had a rough run even after reaching the US. Most recently, one of the men in the group, a 30-year-old father who was just trying to earn a living, was brutally assaulted on Chicago’s west side. He was badly beaten, and his bike (which one of our friends gave him) was stolen. He now suffers from terrible headaches, a broken jaw, loose teeth, and more.

As we all know from the news, services for migrants are overwhelmed. As a result, too little help has been forthcoming, and the family is struggling to make ends meet during this holiday season.

We realize that the suffering of legal migrants has been politicized and that helping individuals that one doesn’t know is difficult in the best of times, but we both hope that you will join us in supporting these lovely, kind, and worthy people during the holiday season.

Their plight reminds me of another story that is told every holiday season: young migrants, traveling alone, unwelcome where they sought refuge, forced to have a child in a barn amongst animals, they survived because strangers helped them.

I hope you will join us in contributing funds to help this family in need.

They have thousands of dollars in medical needs and more. And, let’s be honest, things are not likely to get easier for them anytime soon.

Thank you for your consideration, happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

Jim and Susan Newcomb