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Dear Friends of Elba and JustHope,
JustHope's Director of Women's Projects, Elba Delgado, was seriously injured in a work-relatedaccident several weeks ago. (See our website for more background information.)
After languishing under sporadic, uncertain, and constantly changing medical care in Leon, we have finally been able to connect Elba to an orthopedic specialist in Managua. She was transferred by ambulance early this morning (Tuesday, April 9), and after several new tests and x-rays, he has diagnosed all of Elba's injuries and created a treatment plan. She has several broken bones in her leg and knee plus several deep lacerations in the knee affecting different bones and muscles. Some of the wounds have been stitched, but others remain open. Some of the broken bones have been splinted but none actually repaired and set.
The doctor is, needless to say, very concerned that little to nothing has been done for her in the three weeks since the accident, and feels her condition is beyond urgent to critical. We have authorized him to do surgery as quickly as possible. So today and tonight she will be taking heavy doses of antibiotics to deal with an infection in her knee, and she will have the first of two surgeries tomorrow.
This is good news - at least she finally has a doctor on board who has the knowledge and training to treat her. BUT... this is a private doctor and she will be treated in a large private hospital in Managua, which means that it is not part of the national health system in Nicaragua. The estimated total cost of her first surgery and hospital stay is $15,000, plus $7,000 for the second.
Many of you have given generously in the weeks since Elba's accident. We have collected just over $3200. To date, we have spent almost half of that as follows:
$250 for ambulance transport from Matagalpa to Leon
$250 for medications, creams, diapers (since the hospital was out of adequate pain meds and antibiotics, Elba had to provide her own)
$125 for ambulance from hospital to her sister's house for home care. (She was dismissed a week after surgery and told to come back when that one healed so they could do another. Rather than returning to dusty Chacraseca where infection would be a huge threat, Elba moved in with a sister in Leon).
200 for two weeks private nursing care and day sitter to attend her open wounds while at her sisters' house
200 for ambulance from Leon to Managua
200 for initial consultation with specialist and new xrays
100 bank wire transfer fees
Leaving a balance of $2000 in the health crisis account for Elba.
But I am asking you to consider a second gift-AND to ask others you know who care about Elba and the work she does in Nicaragua to help too... We need to raise an additional $13,000 immediately for her surgery; and then more longer term.
Without this surgery Elba will lose her leg. So, trusting that together we can and will do this, I have forwarded a $1000 down payment to Managua. The rest of the funds will be due within a couple of weeks. The need is urgent. PLEASE give what you are able.
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