Chico Valencia: Rebuilding from Scratch

Why do bad things always happen to good people? It's a question we all ask, especially when the worst hits the best among us. True character shines through in our toughest moments—not in words, but in actions. And in this heartbreaking situation, my dear friend and colleague, Chico Valencia, has shown nothing but exceptional humanity and resilience.

Chico and his mother recently endured a nightmare no one should face: A Colombian Para-Military group displaced them from their rural home in Colombia. They were robbed at gunpoint. their house was ransacked and destroyed. Credit cards stolen, bank accounts drained, and US passports taken. They escaped with their lives, their three dogs, and only what they could hurriedly pack into their truck. Years ago, Chico moved to Colombia seeking a better life for his family. He bought land in the mountains and built his dream home from the ground up, pouring his heart, passion, and savings into it. Now, forced out by this violence, they can never safely return—leaving behind everything he worked so hard to create.

I met Chico a few years ago through work, and he's one of the most incredible people I know. How can I say that with certainty? Because when his mother faced a serious illness that required medication unavailable in Colombia, Chico traveled 16 grueling hours to the US, stayed just one day to secure it, and then traveled 16 hours back—all to save her life. That's the kind of selfless, devoted person he is.

Now, with no other options, Chico and his family are working with the embassy to obtain emergency passports and relocate to the US to start over. Thankfully, Chico can continue his remote job and maintain an income. But they arrive with nothing—no home, no stability. Your support will help provide a down payment for a safe place to live, giving them the fresh start they deserve.

Please join me in helping one of the best humans I know rebuild his life. Every donation, big or small, brings them closer to security and hope. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Here is Chico's story in his own words. - https://youtu.be/GE90peNSs4E?si=xOBGOvcbNfV5lF52