Hey folks, just two weeks away from Andreea’s surgery. It is incredible what all of you have done for Andreea. A small church in VA just raised $19K for her surgery. We are only $20K away from full funding! And the gifts keep coming. There is still time to help.

Andreea's Medical Challenge

Hello! We are Maurice and JoAnn Sikes, missionaries serving in Romania. In addition to our ministry work, we are involved with a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping orphans become self-sufficient. Through this organization, we met Andreea, one of the orphans whose life has become closely intertwined with ours.

A year and a half ago, Andreea underwent orthognathic surgery in Romania to correct a severe genetic defect. Unfortunately, since the procedure, she has suffered from constant jaw pain, daily panic attacks, and sleepless nights. In less than a year after the surgery, her jaw joints, which had previously been round and smooth, deteriorated into a half-moon shape with jagged edges, resembling a ball of swiss cheese. Without joint replacement surgery, she risks losing her jaw joints entirely.

To prevent further deterioration, Andreea will need to undergo a costly surgery in Gainesville, Florida. This is necessary due to the complications stemming from the original procedure. Since Romanian insurance does not cover any of these expenses, we must pay the full cost of $78,000 out of pocket.

Our Life with Andreea

We first met Andreea when she was 16 years old. She and her sisters had lived in an orphanage since she was 14. Our paths crossed through our work with the nonprofit, allowing us to see Andreea periodically over the years. When she turned 18, she aged out of the state system with an inadequate education and was unprepared to live independently. We invited her to live with us, initially planning for a maximum stay of two years, but she has now been with us for five years.

During this time, Andreea returned to school and completed the Romanian equivalent of the GED. She then took their version of the SAT, achieving a score high enough to enter law school. She had just finished her second year when she underwent surgery in 2024.

Seeking Answers and Solutions

Following the surgery, Romanian doctors were unable to determine the cause of Andreea's persistent pain. On her orthodontist's recommendation, we sought help in the United States. In June, we met with a specialist in Gainesville, Florida, who discovered the catastrophic condition of her jaw joints.

Andreea returned to Romania to take her university exams and will suspend her education for the coming year. Before she left, the Florida specialist provided pre-operative treatment that significantly reduced her pain and swelling. Although her joints continue to deteriorate, her pain has greatly diminished. She is once again herself—laughing, eating (she has gained about six pounds), and spending time with friends. She has had only two minor panic attacks, both managed independently. Her surgery is scheduled for October 22.

Faith and Financial Needs

Jesus Christ is at the center of our lives, and we continually remember His guidance and care, as He is the father of the fatherless. We trust in His provision, knowing that He owns everything. So far, generous friends have contributed $20,000, but we still need help to cover the remaining balance of $78,000. We have also put our van on the market in Romania to help cover the costs.

Throughout this journey, Psalm 68 has brought us comfort:

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,

The God who is our salvation.

God is to us a God of deliverances;

And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.

How You Can Help

If you would like to support Andreea’s surgery costs, please consider clicking the button to the right of this story. If possible, please share this need with others who may be able to help. Thank you for your support!