Save Dani's Dad's Life

Hi, my name is Jeff and I am urgently raising funds for the family of my dear friend, my Mayan soul brother, Daniel Quiejú Mesia. I met Dani when I worked for a non-profit organization in Guatemala. Dani managed our coffee plantation in the Guatemalan highlands. Guatemala is a beautiful country, but it is also a place where men are tempted to define their manhood by how many women they have, what gang they belong to, or how much money they get through corruption or extortion, Then, there's Dani, a bright shining light. Dani is a man of integrity who loves God, loves his family, is a faithful husband, and gives the shirt off his back to help his own Tzutujil people in need. For example, Dani was entirely capable of managing our coffee production by himself, but out of his own salary he would pay other people to help him just so they could work and earn a little income for their families.

Dani credits his parents for him being the man he is today. They raised him and his 6 siblings to be devoted to God, dedicated to family, accept responsibility, and work hard. Dani's father, don Pedro, taught Dani to farm, and for years they worked side by side to grow vegetables for their families, and to sell at the market and donate to others who needed food.

Dani's family now has a huge need. The patriarch of the family, Don Pedro, has become very ill. His blood cell count is critically low due to a bleeding prostate. He never told his family about his prostate issue before because he did not want to worry them. And always putting their needs before his, he never had the money to be treated. But now Don Pedro's health has declined to the point where his skin color is turning yellow and he cannot walk due to a lack of blood. He is in urgent need of a blood transfusion with platelet replacement and surgery to close the wound and heal his prostate. His low blood cell counts mean his that heart and body have to work much harder to get oxygen to the cells. Without the transfusion and surgery Don Pedro will die soon most likely from a heart attack.

Don Pedro is still a strong man who has worked the land all his life. At age 75 he still has a strong will to live. He wants to continue inspiring and influencing his children and grandchildren, and loving his wife of more than 50 years. He would also love to get back to farming with his son.

The medical procedures Don Pedro needs in Guatemala are a fraction of what they would cost in the US. But the costs are insurmountable for Dani's family. We can help save this dear man's life and restore him to his family. Dani needs $3,000 for the to pay for his dad's procedures. But if we could raise a couple thousand dollars more, the family would have what they need to cover Don Pedro's medicine and follow up visits for the foreseeable future. I am asking for a goal of $5,500 as Go Fund Me understandably takes its share off of every donation. In the end I would love to give Dani $5,000.

Friends, the need is urgent if we are going to help save Don Pedro's life. If 100 people give $30, Dani will have the money he needs for the procedures. If we can get 184 donations of $30, Dani will have $5,520. I believe Don Pedro has a lot of life left to live. My dad had quintuple bypass surgery at age 75 and lived to be 89! When Dani heard I was doing this campaign for his dad, he started crying and said we who donate are his guardian angels, his hope. Please help be the hope that saves Don Pedro's life. On behalf of his entire family, I thank you in advance. I will provide updates as I have them. (The photo is of Dani's parents, Dani and me at Dani's engagement celebration 2 years ago.)