Susans friend Theresas Medical Expenses

Several years ago when I visited Guatemala, I met this lovely woman named Theresa & her little girl, Teresita. I was taken how these lovely people have so little but can be so kind, generous, happy and most of all their children are loved & well taken care of. We have always kept in touch. Approximately 2 years ago, Theresa was diagnosed with Cancer. Theresa’s cancer originated in her uterus, she had had radio and chemo therapy, her cancer moved into her leg which is very painful & swollen. The meds  she takes to control the pain, are very expensive, 250 Quetzals for 20 pills which converted is just under $45 a box. I don’t need to tell you how expensive that is for someone making $50 a month. This is why/where it started sending her money a couple years ago. Cancer is bad enough but no one should have to endure the pain especially if they can’t afford it. 
I am not sure if you are aware of the poverty in this country, $50 is what they typically make in a months wage if they are lucky.  Many medical costs are not covered including medications.  If they do not have the money they cannot travel to the hospital for treatment & furthermore, buy the necessary meds to deal with their disease and keep them comfortable.  I have been sending her money for the last 2 years.  Sadly her condition is worsening & she is now undergoing more chemo.  She can no longer walk as the cancer has made her leg inflamed and extremely painful. She is now confined to a wheelchair and on good days crutches. Her little girl also needs help because their finances are so drained.  I am concerned not only for Theresa but her daughter.  I am lobbying all my friends and anyone to please donate what you can.  I want to give Theresa and her daughter a Christmas they will remember and a more comfortable life beyond that.   I want to give them some "luxury" so she can take  the 2 hour bus ride to Guatemala City for treatment in an air-conditioned bus with her own seat rather then having to endure a hot & packed chicken bus to save money.  I want to help relieve worry and stress for her at least financially. I want her to be able to buy her bread from the store and not worry about saving money and making it at home.   I want her to be able to buy her little girl a chocolate bar now and then- a small luxury we take for granted. Theresa would like a refrigerator that runs on propane, we have already gotten her a propane stove. Her daughter would like a bike for Christmas so she can bike the long trek to school rather then walk and run errands for her mommy. I want Theresa to be able to buy her meds all the time and not budget with degree of pain to make them last longer. I will continue to stream the money to Theresa in increments, not all at once as I have been doing.  

We sometimes get so caught up in our own lives we don't realize how lucky we truly have it.  When we share our lives with people in other parts of the world and see what they endure, it opens my eyes to really appreciate what and who I have.  Don't sweat the small stuff.