Support Alina's Journey Through Her Next Surgery

My name is Neil Goss, and I’ve made this profile to support and raise funds for some very good friends of mine, Catalina and Ricardo. They are in need of support for their beloved granddaughter, Alina (pictured right).

Alina has an older twin sister, Malina (pictured left). Both girls were born prematurely at 32 weeks. Due to a lack of oxygen and other complications, Alina’s development was closer to that of a 27 week old. Her lungs and heart weren’t fully developed, and she faced serious medical challenges from the very start.

Shortly after birth, Alina required emergency surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis and was hospitalized for the first three months of her life. Then, at six months old, she underwent another surgery for an inguinal hernia. Since then, she has been diagnosed with hemiparesis on the left side of her body, which has affected many aspects of her growth and development.

Despite the adversity, pain, and discomfort Alina has endured, she approaches life with a positive and radiant spirit. She has a beaming smile and an infectious presence that celebrates life, love, and care. Her energy fills a room, making it better than before she was in it.

Alina has been fighting since the day she was born. She is only 10 years old, and in those ten years she has already faced so many challenges. Sadly, she is now facing another. Four months ago, Alina was diagnosed with cervical and thoracic scoliosis after experiencing debilitating headaches, backaches, and leg pain.

To help manage the pain for now, she wears a corset, braces on her leg, neck, and foot, and sleeps on a rigid mattress. For Alina to experience lasting relief, she will need corrective spinal surgery to realign her spine. However, before that surgery can be planned and performed, she will need three additional studies, an MRI, and some x-rays.

My initial goal is to raise the necessary funds to cover the costs of these preliminary procedures. Please note that the monetary goal will be changing and growing as soon as updates are gathered and confirmed. I assume that our end goal will be somewhere around $25,000 but only time will tell. I will be updating this page regularly, so please stay in touch and support Alina for the long haul.

While the current goal is lower than what will ultimately be required, every donation beyond that goal is welcomed and deeply appreciated. This GoFundMe will have a moving target, and my aim is to attain what is necessary to support Alina through this entire process. Each fundraising goal will be clearly conveyed as updates come in.

I ask that you consider donating to this campaign to help cover the costs of Alina’s MRI, her corrective surgery, and the recovery that follows. Your support will help Alina experience some peace and comfort and help ease the financial burden on her family as they navigate these medical needs for Alina’s day-to-day wellness and quality of life.

Please donate what you can, no amount is too small. Every contribution adds up. I also ask that you share this campaign with your family, friends, and social networks. We have a long road ahead and a significant amount to raise over time, but I am determined to make this happen for this sweet and courageous girl.

I kindly ask you to help me help Alina. Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for your generosity and support.