Save Desteny's Children
Donation protected
My dear friends, Desteny and Alisson, were attacked in their country of origin and nearly killed simply because they are a lesbian couple. Alisson was in a coma for 30 days as a result of her injuries. After getting out of the hospital, they fled their home and took shelter in a church for 18 months. Desteny had no choice but to leave her two young children (now 4 and 7) with her parents. Ultimately, after repeated threats on their lives, it became clear that Alisson and Desteny would not be safe in their home country. The two of them left on foot and traveled more than 1400 miles to the US border to seek asylum. They were separated and kept in different detention facilities in Texas, never knowing when they would see each other or the children again. A local non-profit heard about their case and brought them to Vermont with a host family. After more than 2 years of living in fear, and apart from the children, Desteny and Alisson are finally safe.
However, Desteny just learned that her mother is very ill. Without Desteny and Alisson’s income, Desteny’s parents do not have enough to eat and her mother has been giving much of her share to the children rather than nourishing herself. Her parents also do not have enough money to send the children to school and the kids’ shoes have holes in them. It will not be legal for Desteny and Alisson to work in the US for about a year (if everything goes smoothly). Desteny feels that if she waits a year to send money, her children may die. She is desperate and in agony after hearing how dire the situation is. I am hopeful that our community can provide enough funds for her children to eat and go to school until Alisson and Desteny are able to work and support their family themselves. Please consider that even just $5 could mean so much to a family struggling through no fault of their own. When they are able to talk on the phone, her youngest says, "Mommy, I just want an apple." Imagine being thousands of miles away from your tiny child as she begs you for something as simple as an apple and you are powerless to provide it.
However, Desteny just learned that her mother is very ill. Without Desteny and Alisson’s income, Desteny’s parents do not have enough to eat and her mother has been giving much of her share to the children rather than nourishing herself. Her parents also do not have enough money to send the children to school and the kids’ shoes have holes in them. It will not be legal for Desteny and Alisson to work in the US for about a year (if everything goes smoothly). Desteny feels that if she waits a year to send money, her children may die. She is desperate and in agony after hearing how dire the situation is. I am hopeful that our community can provide enough funds for her children to eat and go to school until Alisson and Desteny are able to work and support their family themselves. Please consider that even just $5 could mean so much to a family struggling through no fault of their own. When they are able to talk on the phone, her youngest says, "Mommy, I just want an apple." Imagine being thousands of miles away from your tiny child as she begs you for something as simple as an apple and you are powerless to provide it.
Organizer
Lindsey Weaver
Organizer
Brattleboro, VT