I have a dear friend named Karen. We grew up together when I was a missionary kid in the Philippines. Karen lives in the Philippines and has a beautiful little 1 year old girl named Vanilla Sky. Recently Karen had the heartbreaking news that Vanilla has two holes in her heart. More recently Karen found out that due to these holes in her heart, her heart is enlarged making her condition life threatening. The doctor told her that without intervention that Vanilla would only live to around 3-6 years old. As you can imagine this has absolutely devastated Karen and she has been doing everything in her power to save little Vanilla's life. Sadly Vanilla's Dad died in a motorbike accident when Karen was only 3 months pregnant. Karen has been working tirelessly in a small one room shop selling food and groceries. Vanilla and Karen live in this little shop and that is how Karen makes a living. Unfortunately it hasn't been enough of an income to pay for Vanilla's ongoing medical costs and her regular hospital stays. While Karen has been doing everything she can, on her income it is just about impossible for her to ever earn enough money to pay for Vanilla's surgery. The hospital has said that the surgery will cost 230,000 pesos which is around $5855. Karen has been able to get some help through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. They will pay 100,000 pesos towards the surgery leaving her with 130,000 pesos ($3360) to raise to pay for the surgery. She will also have extra costs of travelling to Davao City (around 7 hours from Karen by bus) and having to find accomodation in Davao to stay while Vanilla recovers. Every little bit helps. Please help us pay for the heart surgery that Vanilla needs to save her life. The hospital is ready to book her in as soon as Karen is able to raise the funds. Thank you so much!
Well done Ruth, and best wishes on your surgery Vanilla ???? love Ellie & Aria