The Newmans Need Our Help

One of my dearest friends needs a boost. Sanja Knotek-Newman has served from forgotten villages in Croatia as a kid and musician, then throughout the war by running humanitarian and UN and US Army missions until she came to the US to finish her degree. As she trained Special Forces for better service in Bosnia, she met her husband, William, who led US military forces as a combat camera active military member, while she served as a military spouse activist and supporter. Some 5 years ago, William was disabled in Afghanistan and was medically discharged while the family was away from home. He was honored with a Bronze Star medal for a previous deployment in Iraq.

After being homeless with 2 small kids and all the debt that they have accumulated by moving every year during his 16 years of service, with no income for over a year, they have been trying to keep afloat by Sanja working 4 jobs, full-time and temporary, and again serving her community as a Croatian court and medical interpreter.

Sanja began having back and leg pain in 2016. After many examinations and scans, she was finally diagnosed with several benign tumors, one 14 cm in size, that will require surgery on Friday, November 16. She has been having severe pain in her back, kidneys and bladder. Her surgery and recovery will require her to be off work for a few months. With prior and future medical bills for both Sanja and William and mortgage payments past due, her being out of work means she and her family could lose everything. At the same time, another family member is in need of medical treatment. The expense of this and Sanja's surgery puts a very heavy burden on this family.

I am asking on behalf of my friend, her husband and their two daughters for your support of her family’s needs. Would you please consider a one-time donation to help break the financial curse they have been under and help them get back on their feet? Your prayers and generosity are greatly appreciated.