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Two years ago, Maria Martinez complained to her husband of a persistent, burning fever. Thinking she was coming down with a bad flu, she went to the hospital. A few days later, doctors diagnosed a rare, virus-caused disease and had to amputate her leg. Eight days later, they removed part of her other leg.
Martinez, 38, lives in Seaford today, but 10 years ago she emigrated from Mexico. Her two children remain healthy, and Martinez said she learned a valuable lesson from her tragedy. She said it allows her children to value the gift of life. She also said she’s a better, stronger person because of what she went through.
La Esperanza, a nonprofit organization committed to helping Sussex County Latinos, and Perdue Farms Inc. jointly hosted a Fair of Hope June 14, to raise money for Martinez.
Two prosthetic legs cost $25,000, including physical therapy and recovery costs, but hundreds of Hispanic residents from the area rallied for the cause, raising nearly $4,500.
“Right now my hope is that people will be compelled to send donations in her name,” said La Esperanza Executive Director Zaida Guajardo.
About a month ago, Guajardo began a simple raffle when she heard about Martinez’s plight, raising nearly $2,000. Then she thought to host an all-day, outdoor festival at her agency, which included clowns, Hispanic meat pies, face painting and a chance to win a television.
Martinez still needs the remaining balance for the artificial legs and months of physical therapy to follow, but she said she is grateful to both fellow Hispanic immigrants and American-born supporters. “Gracias de apoyar me en esta causa,” said Martinez. To donate money or for more information, call Guajardo at 302-854-9262. La Esperanza is located at 216 N. Race St. in Georgetown. Visit La Esperanza at: www.laesperanza.org
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