My name is Theodora. I am the second child in a family of five. I am raising funds for my 76-year-old Croatian immigrant father who is currently living in Zambia, Southern Africa. I was born and raised in Zambia and later moved to the US in 2012. My father suffered a stroke in 2020 and has since been on a long, failing road to recovery. The country he is living in is currently experiencing a drought that was declared to be a national emergency. This drought has brought on issues like no electricity and a lack of clean water.
A few months ago, I received notice from his caregiver and physiotherapist stating that they could no longer work due to the lack of resources to help them perform their duties, and it would be unfair to continue to receive payment when they were not making progress. He has been living in a home that we have been renting for him since 2020 with some of my siblings, but the situation in Zambia has affected everyone. They too are now unable to afford the costs that have come with his care, leaving me the sole person in a position to afford this.
I recently acquired my US citizenship and a week later filed for my father to come and live with me and my family, as this would be both a better environment for him and also provide the necessary treatment he needs. Immigration denied my request to expedite his case and told me I would have to wait approximately two years for him to get here. Just last week, he had to be rushed to the hospital, and the reports the doctor gave me stated that he is malnourished because he refuses to eat and is showing signs of depression. He is severely dehydrated and will not get up to do anything, causing mobility sores to develop in his lower back area. The doctor has recommended immediate treatment to get him protein infusions but says he MUST be evacuated as Zambia does not have the necessary resources right now due to the conditions also affecting medical facilities.
I applied for a visa to bring him for a medical emergency, and I have been required to show proof of funds to cover his travel and basic treatment when he gets here. The total is coming to approximately $20,000, and my savings have since been depleted. I cannot afford this right now. I am appealing to anyone that can help me bring my dad home.. at this point, I am helpless
