Hello my name is James Burley and I'm married to Maria Clara Burley. We have been married for 25 years and met in Portugal playing professional basketball. Clara, that's what we call her amongst family, was perfect for me. She could dribble a basketball, she was funny, competitive, and adventurous. There was no shortage of conversation and there was no doubt she was the one for me...a perfect match. She played point guard for her team and I played the "3", small forward. Together, after all these years, we've been able to make it work because of God's grace and mercy. It is true, life makes the ball bounce in different ways, but through it all, we made it. Today, we have two beautiful children together, and two grand daughters. Clara is the glue that keeps us together and functioning...and she has always been there when we needed her.

Today, Clara needs us. Last week, Clara suffered a stoke and is in the critical care unit. The doctors had to relieve the pressure on Clara's brain by removing part of her skull. She is currently on a respirator but doctors are encouraged and we are prayerful that she continues to respond to treatment. But, the last week has been extremely tough on our family. Much of Clara's family remains in Portugal and they are worried and very concerned. I do my best to speak the best Portuguese I can but sometimes it is really difficult to relay to her family how she is doing and the exact medical condition.

I've never been one to ask for help, but we need it. We expect Clara's recovery to include more time in the hospital and then rehabilitation and then a return to home. We live 45-minutes to an hour away from the hospital and the daily expenses are mounting. Our household income has been impacted by this medical emergency. To that end, we are asking that you consider contributing to our Go Fund Me to help pay for these unforeseen expenses.

God bless you for your continued prayers, best wishes, and contributions. All of it helps.

James