Hi! I am Margarita Jarrín. I am 37 years old, Ecuadorian and I am a woman full of life! I love traveling, seeing new places, road-tripping... I really can't stay still!

 

I was born with a neuromuscular degenerative condition: Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome (CMT1A). This disease is basically unknown in Ecuador, so I have traveled to the US since I was 3 years old, to participate in research treatment programs to lead a "normal" life within my limitations. Since I was a child, I have used orthotics (AFOS) on both limbs to walk. My family has invested a lot in my treatment so I can carry on with a “normal” life. CMT1A disease progresses and weakens the muscles as the years go by. Ecuadorian health insurances won´t cover the course of a chronic neuromuscular treatment, and unfortunately can´t afford to pay an international insurance.

 

Since 2017, my life and health have had abrupt changes. As my condition weakens me progressively I´m prone to lose balance and fall often. Every accident that might seem not too difficult to handle, in my case it is dangerous as I get very injured from it. Within the past years, I had to go through the recovery odyssey from accidents.

 

In mid 2019, sadly I had to return from Canada on a medical leave while I was studying my Masters in Global Leadership, as I had my left knee crushed with torn meniscus, dislocated patella and hiperextended ligaments which just randomly gave in from a former injury. I had to put my studies on stand by and return to Ecuador to get the surgery, as I needed support of my family while healing from surgery. Afterwards, I did a lot of physio treatments, but there was not much progress, since with CMT1A, the muscle mass is lost and it is irreversible. Last year, In May 2021, I was about to resume my studies and go back to Canada in September, but again I had an accident as I slipped in the shower and I broke my coccyx and the L5 vertebrae, crushing the sciatic nerve. I needed two surgeries, and I had my right limb paralyzed for 8 weeks with extreme shooting pain from the nerve damage.

 

Ever since, I have spent time in physiotherapy, three times a week. My progress has been remarkable because of the hard work I´ve put on it. Unfortunately, I can´t regain much muscle tone in my legs and I won't longer be the same. I´m working with less than the 30% of muscle mass in my body. Even though I can still walk, I use crutches to keep my balance and support, but I get really tired and I can't stand for long or walk much and do many things I used to do. Climbing a flight of stairs is impossible! My doctors, PT and counsellor are trying their best to keep me up working on my strength and avoid injurying again. However, my mobility is increasingly limiting and I still feel too young to be incapacitated. Thoughout this experience with lots of high and lows, I still want and hope to keep a life the most normal I can. But now, I NEED HELP!

 

 

Throughout my life, I have come across many angels ... close people and strangers who appear through my path. I always appreciate them being aware and accompanying in seeking my well-being. My physical health has been complicated, which also affected financially and emotionally. Nowadays, I also take care of my mother who is retired and a 2-time cancer survivor. I stick to her as we both take care of each other, and mostly as a reward of many years of sacrifice and unconditional support to grow up as the outstanding woman that I am now. I also dream of finishing my Master's degree (at least online) until I feel physically stronger and I'm able to go back for the convocation ceremony in Canada.

 

I never decay, despite the adversities. I look for all the ways to overcome obstacles. Lately, I´ve dedicated to sell anything can, through social networks or providing services that are within my abilities; I have also collaborated and supported others who are in a more disadvantaged situations than mine. I do anything I can to increase my income to make ends meet to pay for my medical expenses. But, all these efforts are not enough and my income has been very tight within these pandemic times. My life requires a lot of movement, but the paradox is that I can no longer move much, and I must avoid getting more injuries.

 

I now appeal to your generous contribution so that I can afford to get a mobility scooter and a new set of AFOS that I can use to walk easily and help me with my commuting. I cannot get these medical aids directly in Ecuador, as the import taxes are very high and customs service is extremely delayed, so I need to get them directly in the US.

 

 

• iLiving V8 Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter

• Turbomed Xtern AFOS

 

I need to raise around USD $ 6000 to afford these medical aids and to keep up with physiotherapy sessions which costs me $300 USD monthly (after applying my local insurance).

 

It is not a very high amount, but your contribution, no matter how small or large, is very significant and valuable to me.

 

I have 2 options to receive your contribution:

 

• Option 1 - PayPal direct deposit to me Margarita Jarrín /confirmation mail: [email redacted]

• Option 2 - If you want to wire a transfer on Transferwise, Xoom, Western Union or you have an Ecuadorian Bank account:

Margarita Jarrín

Savings account #12005491172

Produbanco

Swift Code: PRODECEQ100

ID. 1710220938

Phone:(+593) 984082509

mail: [email redacted]

 

Although I may not know you, I believe in angels and I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart and now you become one of those miracles that God always sends me to brighten my life, despite all adversity.