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ANNY CESARINA MARTINEZ Monte Llano, Dominican Republic |
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On June 15, 2003, 14-year old Anny Martinez was electrocuted by live wires hanging from the ceiling of a building under construction. She had gone to the second floor to reach the fruit from a lemoncillo tree. Anny collapsed in shock and was barely breathing. Her family rushed her to Clinica Gregorio Hernandez in Puerto Plata where doctors revived her with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
She suffered burns on 30% of her body, most of which were third degree, the most severe form. Plastic surgeon Dr. Alexis Reyes immediately sent her to public Hospital Arturo Grullón in Santiago. This is a children's facility with a small, basic burn unit of seven beds. Dr. Reyes did not expect her to survive. But . . . miracles do happen. Anny was stabilized after two weeks in intensive care and spent six months undergoing surgery. Dr. Reyes performed five skin grafts to rebuild some of her face and her upper and lower eyelids. However, she still does not have enough skin to close her eyes. Gauze must be laced around her eyes so that she can sleep. |
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Anny basically lost her entire face, her nose, parts of both ears, and her right pinky finger. She has burns down her chest, arms and legs. In addition, she has developed cataracts in both eyes and is now blind. All she sees is light, dark and shadows. Neurological problems in her hands mean that she is unable to feed herself. Neurological problems in her legs mean that she is unable to walk. Dr. Reyes says she will need many reconstructive surgeries to her face, eyes, neck, and chest as well as many months of physical therapy and intensive psychological counseling. Unfortunately, Anny was released from this public hospital because it does not have the resources to provide these crucial services.
Anny's case is even more tragic because her mother was murdered by her boyfriend the year prior to Anny's accident. Today, she and her younger brother live with their grandparents who are their legal guardians in Monte Llano, a community near Puerto Plata. The Shriners' Burn Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts has accepted her case and is willing to provide the care that she needs, free of charge. The hospital will cover inpatient medical services during her surgeries and outpatient visits during her convalescence. However, her family must guarantee that they have the financial resources to pay the cost of housing, transportation, food, and medical nursing aides while in Boston - an impossibility because the Martinez family is very poor, has incurred many expenses and is in severe debt. Anny and her family need your help. A great deal has been done to help get her to the United States. Her birth certificate and Dominican Passport have been issued and the application for her medical VISA is underway, pending guarantee of financial resources. Any donation that you can give would be greatly appreciated by Anny and her family. Donations of all forms are accepted and would be greatly appreciated. Rainbow Families Foundation is a not for profit corporation under the United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Code 501(c)(3). Donations from American citizens are tax deductible. Our IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 34-1940069. Rainbow Families Foundation 8543 Hemlock Ridge Drive Kirtland, OH 44094 Please note on the memo portion of your check that this is for "Anny". |