Although I am quite a private person, and don't really post much on facebook, I feel that I really need the support of my family and friends at this difficult time.

Last week, my diabetic mum, Milena, was taken seriously ill in Chile. She was taken into hospital with stroke-like symptoms and fits. After many tests and intensive care, she was diagnosed with a viral swelling on the brain. Since then, she has regained speech and some movement, but has lost all short term memory. She can't remember what day it is, whether she has eaten or even visited the loo.

Although she is out of immediate danger, she will need 24 hour care for at least the next 3 months which will cost at least £50 per day. And after that, who knows?

Although my brother, Jim, flew out immediately to stay with her for a few weeks, it is incredibly frustrating for me not to be with my mother in her time of need. My priority at the moment is to try and pay for her medication and hospital bills rather than my plane ticket. But my heart is desperate to be there.

So, I ask you, my friends and family, not to send me a birthday or Christmas cards this year and donate £2 to my ticket fund instead. Don't worry if you can't donate, I won't be offended, but please share this post so it can reach as many family friends as possible. Please pray for me and my family.

God bless you,

Caroline. XXX

Amigos mios, aunque soy una persona bastante privada, y no pongo mucho en facebook, realmente necesito el apoyo de mi familia y mis amistades en este tiempo dificil.

La semana pasada, mi mama, Milena, fue llevada de urgencia al hospital con paralises y convulciones. Fue diagnosticada con una inflamacion viral del cerebro. Aunque todavia esta en el hospital, en este momento ha reuperado un poco de movimiento y puede hablar. Lo malo es que no tiene ninguna memoria de corto plazo. No sabe el dia, si almorzo y ni siquera si ha ido al bano.

Apesar de que mi mama esta fuera de peligro inmediato, necesitara cuidado 24 horas al dia por lo menos por 3 meses, y despues de eso, quien sabe. El cuidado va a costar por lo menos 50 mil pesos chilenos, diarios.

Mi hermano, Jim se fue de inmediato por unas semanas para estar con ella. Es muy frustrante como hija no poder estar con ella en el tiempo que mas me necesita. Pero, mi prioridad en este momento es tratar de ayudar con los gastos medicos en vez de mi pasaje (que cuesta mas de un millon de pesos chilenos). Mi corazon se desepera porque no estoy alli.

Asi que, mis amigos, les pido que este ano no me manden tarjetas de cumpleanos o de navidad y donen mil pesos para contribuir a mi pasaje. Pero, no se preocupen si no pueden donar, no me ofendare! Le agradeceria sus oraciones por mi y mi familia.

Que Dios les bendiga, Carolina. XXX