A friend of mine who is 29 recently found out she had a tumor growing in her brain. She's a South African who moved to Panama a few years ago. She and her family are known by the expat community in our town in Panama, so when we heard the news of her need for brain surgery, we all came together to help raise money for her!
"An" is a quiet but talented friend of mine who makes a living painting items for people - murals, shirts, canvases, etc. She also cleans houses so they can make ends meet.
They left South Africa a few years ago in search of a more stable and safe life in Panama. Then they were recently hit with the news that the headaches she was having were not just normal headaches. The bump on the back of her skull was not just a normal bump. An MRI confirmed that it was a tumor that was growing at an incredibly fast rate, and surgery was needed!
They initially said the surgery would be around $75,000...something that was not possible for this family to pay for since they have no insurance. The members of our expat community got together and decided to host a few events to help raise money for our friend!
First they hosted a pancake breakfast and garage sale. The next idea was to raffle off a packet from a local South African meat producer. Then they decided to do a silent auction with a $5 entry fee. They held the auction at a local building.
I was surprised when I went in and saw how many people were there! There were people I don't see on a regular basis - people who normally don't participate in other expat events! The room was crowded with people talking, eating, and having some tasty punch! They were also roaming around looking for items to bid on!
I took a few minutes to look at the items and found something I was interested in. My dad has always liked trains, so I thought this would make a great gift for him - railroad rails from the Panama railway! I started the bidding at $5, but the lady who brought them said it wasn't enough and raised the bid to $15. Ha! So I ended up winning them at the end of the night for $20 - a worthy cause and a gift for my dad!
Anyway, there were all kinds of items there - quilts, depression era glass, blue Ball canning jars, massage coupons, a night away at a local beach resort, handmade items, painted items, and much more! The tables were literally full and everyone I saw was bidding on something!
They said they raised $1600 for "An," and I know the family appreciates every little bit they get! I love living in a community that comes together to help and support each other when we need it.
I know these people have my back if I ever need them.
