Support Recovery from Burns

Dear Friends, Family, and Community Members.

My name is Anton Gill and I'm fundraising for my aunt, Maureen Garib.

On December 19th, 2023, tragedy struck my beloved aunt, Maureen, when a gas leak at her home ignited, leaving 60% of her body covered in agonizing 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The prognosis was bleak, with a mere 5% chance of survival, in no small part due to her advanced age. However, through sheer strength and the determined efforts of her medical team , Maureen defied the odds and survived intensive surgery and a harrowing week in the ICU. This harrowing experience has not only inflicted severe physical pain but also brought unforeseen financial burdens.

Now on the road to recovery, Maureen’s ongoing care faces immense challenges. Every 48 hours, she endures excruciating dressing changes which must be done by trained personneland this procedure must continue for the next 8-12 weeks, depending on how her skin heals.

Maureen is clearly a fighter, and her spirit remains unbroken despite the challenges. However, the road to recovery is long and fraught with hurdles. The medical expenses for her extensive treatments, supplies - some of which have to be sent via Fedex from neighboring islands - skin grafts, specialized care, a day and night nurse and rehabilitation, are overwhelming. Beyond medical costs, she also faces the daunting task of rebuilding her life post-recovery.

This is why we are setting up this fundraising campaign with a goal of USD $100,000. Your contribution will directly support Maureen’s medical bills - which already exceed USD $40,000 - as well as rehabilitation costs, and assistance in covering living expenses during her recovery. Every donation, no matter how small, brings her one step closer to healing and regaining independence.

We understand that times are challenging for many, so even if you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us. Your support, thoughts, and prayers are just as valuable in this journey towards healing.

Please join us in supporting Maureen as she fights through this critical time. Your generosity and kindness can truly make a difference in her life. Let’s come together as a community and show her that she is not alone in this battle.

Required Disclosure per GoFundMe regulations: Please note that since Aunt Maureen resides in Trinidad, a country that GoFundMe does not currently support, we were obligated to have her nephew, Anton Gill, a resident of California, initiate the fundraiser on her behalf after which he will transfer 100% of all funds to her by way of her daughter, Siobhan, who is caring for her.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

Anton & Family