My friend and colleague, Nicky, immigrated from South Africa some time ago. She is a proud Canadian citizen with a sharp wit who keeps me laughing when I want to cry.

She has been trying to bring her elderly parents to Canada to keep them safe from the violence all around her village and to care for them medically. She has FINALLY got them here but they are not yet citizens and are not insured.

Unfortunately, we have learned that the medical care in South Africa is almost as dangerous as the gangs. Her mom has a heart arrhythmia and her heart literally stops beating. She needs a pacemaker and it will not be cheap. Please, if you can, donate so that we can keep this geriatric heart beating.