We see the need to ask for help for Marcela at this time because she is overwhelmed with the financial and other responsibilities due to the sudden death of her mother in Argentina. Clara Sylvia Ponce was taken from her family on Friday June 22nd, leaving her father Tito alone after 56 years of marriage.  This was a big shock to Marcela and her family as Sylvia was known to be in generally good health. Marcela´s mom was not only the main source of income for the family, she was Tito´s caretaker as well. Tito has significant medical needs and they are the major contributors to the demands on Marcela at this time. Now that Silvia´s gone, Marcela needs to resolve how to make sure that Tito has all the emotional and practical support that he needs. Marcela really needs and wants to be with her father as much as possible during these coming months. 

In order for Marcela to meet these responsibilities, she will be taking on many new financial burdens, including 
 
1. She needs to take time off work without pay for several weeks in the next three months, under the Family Leave provision, so that she can be in Argentina to organize the insurance, pensions, medical prescriptions and doctor visits for her father as they transition all accounts and ensure continuous medical care.  She is with him now and is  not sure how long she will be able to stay this time. The loss of income from those weeks of not working will be a major hardship. 
 
2. She will make three trips to Argentina in the next 5 months, including this one now that began when she learned of her mother´s death. Each round trip is 12,000 miles and is very expensive. 
     
3. During the transition of finances for her father which will take 3 months, she will need to make contributions to his living expenses. 
       
4.She has rent to pay and expenses to cover for her living situation in the Bay Area and cannot put any of that on hold.

Any amount you can contribute is appreciated.