I really debated on whether to post this or not, so I apologize in advance if this offends someone. I promise, we’ll be back to our regular programming tomorrow. I haven’t done a post of this nature since I started blogging, but I feel like I have a platform, however small it is. So, I decided to take advantage of it.
My best friend from childhood who lives in Belarus has reached out to me on Facebook because a good friend of hers is going through unimaginably tough time. Here is the story, which I posted on GoFundMe page as well:
“This is a story of a 3-year old Dasha who lives in Eastern Europe. My childhood friend who knows the family shared it with me and I felt compelled to do something. The time is running out, but I’m hoping beyond hope that the story will have a happy ending.
In November of 2016 Dasha’s daycare providers became concerned. She just threw up and looked awful, so they took the girl to the hospital. Upon examination and doing some tests, the doctors were shocked. They found a huge brain tumor. Operation followed, but they couldn’t remove it completely. Apparently, doing a second surgery is way too risky.
Since Belarus is a poor country, medical care is not on par with that of its neighbooring countries in Western Europe. There is an option to take her to Germany where the doctors are fairly confident in having a decent shot at saving her life.
There is one problem. It will cost the family 25,000 euros, something they absolutely can not afford. This is where Go Fund Me campaign comes in. Anything donated will be forwarded to the family (minus Go Fund Me fees).
Obviously, everyone has bills and money is tight for most these days. But if you can find it in your heart to donate even a small amount, this family will be immensely grateful. Even if they don’t reach the goal of 25,000 euros, the money will help pay for medical expenses while they are trying to come up with alternative treatment in Belarus.”
This isn’t an “all or nothing” kind of deal because her family will be able to use whatever money I can raise. They have three children and this thing hit them like a ton of bricks. They are doing all kinds of fundraising in Belarus, but it’s not as common as it is here. Even if they can find a sponsor, they will still need to travel to Germany and stay in a hotel, and that’s a considerable expense.
Belarus is a poor country that is going through a financial crisis. Many people make $200 per month or less. So you can imagine how difficult it is for folks to come up with a donation. They barely have enough to feed their own families. That’s why I decided to do my part, however small. I just couldn’t look away. I know this sort of thing happens to many people in the world, and I’m not going to lie, the reason I’m posting about it is because there is a personal connection. But it’s also because I have young kids who are healthy.
Obviously, I plan on making my own donation and will cover transfer fees to Belarus if anyone chooses to contribute. I apologize again if this post offends anyone. Perhaps this site (which is commercial in nature) is not the place for articles like this one. But the blog is as much about miles as it is about family. My heart is in the right place.
So if you want to donate, you may do so on this GoFundMe page You can use a credit card and make your donation anonymous if you wish. Even $5 (or less) will be appreciated. Once again, I plan to forward 100% of whatever we raise. Thanks in advance, friends!
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
What a wonderful thing you are doing. I see in every child with health problems like that my own children. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, but it is heartwarming to know that compassionate people will be their to support them in their time of need. I happily donated and truly hope that she gets the help she needs.
@Doug Thank you so much for your generosity! You have no idea how helpful it will be to the family while they are trying to get through this. I know we can’t assist everyone and to be honest, I’m not usually that charitable of a person. But I had an opportunity here and decided to use it. I don’t plan on doing posts of this nature again, but hopefully, it wasn’t too off-putting to folks this one time. I’ve never asked readers for money before, so it’s not the norm. Thank you for your understanding.
Will donate. No problem.
@Natasha Thanks! I’m not looking for huge donations or anything like that. Everyone has bills and charities they already support. I don’t plan on doing posts like these one in the future, but decided to make an exception because the situation is so dire. And even if they don’t raise the money for operation, whatever we send will help tremendously with food and medicine.
It’s sad that you feel like you need to apologize. No apology needed! I can’t imagine how helpless her parents feel. To know that there is help available but they can’t afford it is heartbreaking.
@Jennifer Thank you! I can’t imagine what this family is going through. Sometimes we take things for granted, I know I do.
i love that you are doing this. i would hope no one is upset that you are asking for money to save a child’s life. my heart breaks for that family. my children are also healthy. i cannot imagine where i’d be if they weren’t. i will donate to this family. good luck to them. i hope you’ll update with any news of the little girl. you’re to be commended. thank you
@Jerri Thank you very much! Every little bit helps, and I will forward it to the family, I promise. I will update the GoFundMe page with any news.
This is the least I can do, and I really shouldn’t be commended. This isn’t a normal thing for my blog to have posts of this nature, but sometimes it’s good to look beyond miles and points.