Meet our friend Annie, who opens doors and holds them open for others. A person with a passion for helping people, matched by a passion for church, reggae and soca music. For the last 8 years our friend has been feeding the homeless of Houston, Texas, as part of the Caribbean Poka Poka Homeless Food Group; 150 meals every month. Her profession is providing care for other people’s babies as a dedicated Neonatal Nurse; 35 babies in 24 months. That’s after raising her own 2 children, Christopher and Christen. A month ago Annie’s life was turned upside down when after 21 years in a solid, stable job, Annie’s husband Chris, was made redundant. Normally something that we know our Annie and Chris could bounce back from except that 4 days later our dear friend Annie was rushed to Emergency complaining of being out of breath and unable to move. After 2 litres of liquid were drained from her lungs, Annie was told that her left lung had been collapsed for the past 3 weeks. A test then confirmed that Annie had Stage 4 lung cancer. This means the cancer is at an advanced stage and requires more immediate and aggressive treatment. This devastating situation was made a financially terrifying one as her husband lost all family health insurance with his job those 4 days before her health had spiralled. Life has been brought to a standstill for Annie whilst awaiting life-saving treatment. A catheter has been inserted into her lungs to release the crushing pressure of 3-4 litres of fluid that continues to build. This has left Annie with significantly limited mobility. The pressure and the physical toll have incapacitated her. The cost of the treatment to save Annie’s life is substantial and beyond her family’s capacity to cover on their own. Yet Annie in true form, remains mentally resilient (one of the reasons why we love her). To be honest, anyone who knows Annie knows her to be a bright spirit, grounded by positivity and faith. Annie was a member of St Johns, Catholic Church, Jersey for over 17 years, and more recently at Mary Queen Church, Friendswood, Texas for 5 years. And if not shining her smile at church, or cooking for family and for the homeless, you’d be sure to hear Annie singing Beres Hammond to herself (all more reasons why we love her). “All I know is God is holy Protect your life it's your one and only … you see faith is a key that opens all doors” We are Annie’s friends and members of the Caribbean Poka Poka Homeless Food Group - Natalia, Matthew, Sheldon, Avonelle, Gillian, Ashley, Terri, Brent, Amril, Leslie, Helen, Brian. And we have set up this LFEBridge campaign to help raise funds to alleviate the financial burden ahead of Annie so that she can put her efforts and energy into healing and recovery. And so that her husband Chris can be by her side to give her the extra strength and support she needs at this moment. Ahead of Annie are numerous tests, treatments, medications, doctor consultations and hospital stays. And we want Annie to know that she is not alone. We ask you to please consider Annie’s cause and help. You can help by sharing Annie’s story, donating and sending messages of support. Everything counts: every donation, of every size, will make a significant impact. Your donations will cover the multitude of costs that Annie’s family is currently facing, including: - hospitalization - extensive treatments - medications - doctor's visits From us all, from the bottom of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude. We will be posting updates on this page. Please keep the faith.
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