Advocacy Program: Children Urgent Needs
Mom Needs Help After Seeking Asylum to Save (2) Daughters
JJCCF is accepting donations in honor of Salma. If you wish to share your compassionate support, 100% of your donation will go towards assisting Salma and her family with their basic necessities. JJCCF does not charge for its services or take a percentage of funds raised.
| Online: | Donate Indicate Dedication / In Honor of Salma |
| Mail: | Kindly make your check payable to “JJCCF” and write “For Salma” in the memo |
| Address: | Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation 1 Las Olas Circle, Suite #209 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 |
Story:
Salma, 4-year-old – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Salma was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma (brain cancer) in January 2022. Since her diagnosis, Salma has endured chemotherapy, tumor resection and 3 stem cell transplants. Salma along with her mother and sister, fled Venezuela seeking asylum in the U.S. for lifesaving medical intervention. Their home country does not offer medical care necessary for Salma or her sister born with Amniotic Band Syndrome. Salma’s father resides in Venezuela and his efforts for him to provide financially and join his family have been futile. Family does not have any relatives in the U.S. to offer a helping hand.
Needs:
With mother unable to work while caring for both daughter’s medical needs, family needs help paying their rent and basic living expenses. Family does not own a car and hopes to afford one when mother is able to earn an income in the future.
Letter from Hospital Social Worker:
Dear Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation.
This letter is being written on behalf of Salma and Mercedes. Salma is a 4- year-old being treated at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for a diagnosis of Medulloblastoma. Salma was diagnosed in January 2022 after presenting with frequent falls and ataxia. Since her diagnosis, Salma has endured chemotherapy, tumor resection and 2 out of 3 stem cell transplants. Salma’s third transplant will be in the upcoming weeks.
Patient and family are originally from Venezuela, they traveled to the U.S. seeking asylum since their home country is undergoing hardship and distress. Patient traveled with her mother and older sister to the U.S. seeking a better future and opportunities for her daughters. Salma’s father resides in Venezuela and efforts for him to also join his family have been futile. Family does not have any other relatives or close friends in the U.S. to offer financial or emotional support. Family has endured extreme hardship throughout this time especially coping with patient’s diagnosis.
Patient’s admissions are very lengthy due to treatment protocol, admissions are about a month at a time. As a result of this, it becomes very difficult for her mother to seek or maintain employment since she’s the sole caregiver. The family is enduring financial hardship and mother is seeking assistance to cover the costs of housing. Salma’s father is not able to provide any financial support from their home country.
We kindly ask that you open your hearts to helping this very deserving family. Salma’s treatment is ongoing, and she and her family continue to fight. Any assistance will be so greatly appreciated by her family during this incredibly challenging time.
Warm Regards,
Yanara Del Valle, MSW
Pediatric Oncology Social Worker
Click on the PDF icon to view original letter from the Hospital Social Worker
Plea from Mother:
My name is Mercedes and I am Salma’s mom. Salmita is a very courageous, happy, kind girl who just turned 4 years old. She was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in January 2022. I came to this country with both of my daughters, and we don’t have any close family or friends to offer support. My oldest daughter also has a medical condition which affects her extremities. We have been in the U.S. for about a year and I’m very grateful for the care and assistance my daughters have received, something that could not have been possible in our home country. Salma has been receiving treatment for about 8 months which included a bone marrow transplant, and it has been very difficult to endure. Salma’s admissions are very long, and I have not been able to work throughout this time. I am immensely appreciative of the support that Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation has offered, it has been of great assistance throughout this time. I am once again asking for assistance in order to cover the costs of housing in order to provide stability for our family, specifically for my daughters. I’m very grateful to God and everyone that has helped our family. God Bless You all.
Mercedes,
Proud mother of Salma
Salma
