Marta's Hip Replacement in Venezuela

My mother needs a hip replacement in a country (Venezuela), that currently has the highest inflation in the world - over 1 million percent. This means that the local currency is worth nothing and prices of everything from food to toothpaste - if you can find any - increase exponentially each week. Food, medicines, and the basic necessities are all scarce, converting daily life into a scavenger hunt to find these. 

My mother has been in pain for years now and has come to the point where it is excruciating and unbearable, requiring the hip replacement. The doctor says that if she does not get the hip replacement soon, she will be unable to walk.

The economic implosion of the country complicates this situation. All the hip and joint parts for the surgery and medicines must be imported either from the US or Italy. While the risks of doing the surgery in Venezuela are significant due to things like regular power outages, clean water shortages, etc., this remains the only viable option since the same operation in the United States would cost more than $60,000. In Venezuela, this operation costs $10,000. Unfortunately, even at this price my family cannot afford to get this done without the help from friends.

Please help my mom be able to walk without pain again. This is my wish for her this Christmas season. She does so much to help and encourage other people in the community who are suffering and need help, and she never asks for anything in return. Let's make 2018 a life-changing year for her.

Alternatively, if you know of an orthopedic surgeon who would complete the surgery pro bono, please let me know. Thank you. Every little bit helps.