Help Lina with her Lymphatic Tumor Surgery

Please help Lina pay for surgery to remove a paritod tumor.

Greetings to everyone!

My name is Lina Maria, I am from Colombia and live in Sarchi, Costa Rica.

For nine years I have dedicated myself to rescuing dogs that have been abused and abandoned, many of these angels I keep at home and they depend on me for shelter and food.

My friend Nino in the Vet, and Bambi found with a bad skin condition

I currently work in a retreat center where we help people in their process of personal growth and overcoming mental trauma or addiction.

Consulting with a guest at the retreat

Nine months ago I was diagnosed with a lymphatic tumor on the left side of my face below my ear. It has grown very large and causes me great pain and discomfort. It often feels like electricity piercing through my cheek and I have difficulty eating.

A photo of my tumor and ultrasound of my unwanted guest

I urgently need surgery. If the tumor is not removed soon it may permanently cause nerve damage and the possible spread of cancer.

I am on a waiting list with the country's government provided insurance but the waiting list is long (possibly more than one year), and the doctors within this system cannot guarantee that I will have feeling in the left side of my face after surgery and that frightens me.

One of my many visits to the hospital

As the days go by my pain and the size of the tumor increase. The tumor affects my self confidence, my sleep, and I am too tired many days to carry out my daily activities. I haven't taken a walk with my dogs since one month.

I use this pillow to ease the pain on my left side

It is for this reason that I come to you, asking for help, since I do not want to risk the consequences of waiting and instead wish to undergo surgery on my own with a specialist.

This is the lesson I choose to learn from my situation, to be humble and ask for help when I need it.

I have always asked for support for animals, it is easy to help and ask to help for other people.

But when it is for you, we are ashamed to ask this simple thing.

It is not a simple thing for me, it is not easy for me to know that I have this medical condition, and it is not easy for me to ask for help either.

But today I am in front of you telling you I need help.

I ask you to help me so I can have my surgery and continue with my life, care for my dogs and continue with my work.

I hope that with your contribution I can have the surgery done as soon as possible and if you cannot donate, will you please help me by sharing this video so I can have the opportunity to have my operation and continue my life normally, helping other people and caring for my family of dogs.

The funds from your donations will be used to pay for:

The surgery, projected to be $7,500 USD.

Airfare, the surgery will not be performed in Costa Rica.

Lodging and meals while traveling.

Care and food for my dogs while I am away and while recovering.

Thank you for supporting me and my dogs so I can heal and return to my normal life.

I thank you all for your contribution and for sharing.

With love,

Lina Maria Upegui Salas