As many of you know, Mom and I have been sheltering the Malikzai family for over a year now after they had to flee Afghanistan last year. Loving parents Zabi and Maryam of Zainab, now 6 years old, and 1-year-old Salim, have been working hard to acclimate and create a life here in the US. Zabi works in the service industry tirelessly 6-7 days a week, while Maryam cares for baby Salim and Zainab, and has been studying hard to learn English. Several costs have come up, including 2 Root Canals for Maryam, and kid-friendly anesthesia for extensive dental work that Zainab needs that are not covered by insurance. These costs are more than $5,000. Also, Zainab is full of energy and wants desperately to take gymnastics and potentially Tae Kwan Do. Thankfully we have been able to find the family a rent-stabilized apartment near our home, and there are many items that are needed for the move. We are also hoping to provide some childcare expenses so Maryam can have more time to learn, and decompress from an astoundingly traumatizing time. We are now their only family here in the United States and we are hoping you can help us support them.

Apparently, I have to explain further so that GoFundMe approves of who we are, and why we need these funds. I am Phaedra Thomas. My mother, Tupper Thomas, and I, have been providing direct shelter, in our home in Brooklyn New York to the Malikzai Family. Funds will specifically be used to pay medical costs not covered by their insurance (Medicaid), as well as child care, and expenses related to their move to their first apartment. We will receive the funds and disperse them as needed, including paying the dentists and child care providers directly.