Shella Hunat’s story

Ma. Shella Hunat is an internationally experienced registered nurse recruited by The Johns Hospital from the Philippines.  Her immigration application was initiated in 2007 but due to the protracted visa retrogression, she had to wait 9 long years before she finally obtained her US permanent resident visa.  In July 2016, she moved to Baltimore with her husband and two teenagers; and enthusiastically joined the JHH Medical ICU team in August 2016.  She was doing very well adjusting to her new life and work until one night in December, on her way home from work, she got involved in an accident that severely damaged her left knee.  To make the situation worse, the driver who struck Shella did not have the appropriate insurance coverage.  Because of this injury, Shella is not able to return to work in the MICU.  She exhausted her paid disability benefits in June 2017.

A few months after the accident, her husband, Willy was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. He is still recuperating at this time and because of his serious condition, Shella has to be on his side most of the times to take care of him.

Prior to Willy’s surgery in Oct, Shella was temporarily helping Central Nursing with clinical office work.  Unfortunately, Willy continues to need 24-hour care and Shella cannot work and has no Paid Time Off (PTO) hours.  

With both of them being out from work and no source of income, you can imagine the emotional and financial burdens they are facing right now.

We, at Central Nursing are initiating this plea for Shella in an effort to help alleviate any financial stress so they can focus on treatment and healing. 

The money donated will be used to pay for Shella and Willy’s medical expenses not covered by insurance and to help with their daily living expenses.
Your thoughts, prayers and generous donations for Shella are sincerely appreciated.