Hi everyone, my name is Ella! You might know my partner Amy and I from the comic cons we attend around the UK with our small business "Midnight Kawaii".

I’m originally from Brazil, and today I want to share something very personal with you. I’m reaching out for help for someone very close to my heart — my childhood friend from my hometown, Salvador, Bahia.

His name is José Enrique Matos Martinez, he’s 34 years old, and was born with a congenital spinal malformation and compensated hydrocephalus. He also lives with a neurogenic and enlarged bladder, chronic pain, and depression. Because of these conditions, José cannot walk and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

Life has been extremely challenging for him. His father left when he was young, and since then his mother and sister have been doing their best to support him. Unfortunately, they simply don’t have the financial means to cover all of his medical care, food, and daily expenses.

José needs urinary catheterisation every 4 hours, which means his mother cannot work as she must be with him at all times. His sister works full-time, but the minimum wage in Brazil is only R$1,518 (around £130–£140 per month) — not nearly enough to support the family’s needs. They often survive thanks to food donations from kind friends and relatives.

Amy and I already cover José’s monthly medications, but right now he urgently needs psychological treatment for severe depression and regular medical monitoring — and that’s where we are asking for your help!

To support José and his family, we also created special charity badges & stickers that will be available at our conventions for only £1, with all profits going directly to them.

Every little bit makes a huge difference, whether it’s buying a badge (at comic con's orr at our website), donating, or even just sharing his story!

Thank you for your time.

Love,

Ella.