Most of you will remember Piedad – our friend/patient from Colombia who spent six months with my twin sister, Susan, in Florida receiving treatment for her congenital lymphedema and elephantiasis.

Piedad is back in her home town of Tumaco, Colombia with her daughter, Susan.  This past week the Colombian guerrilla used explosives to damage an oil pipeline.  This caused spillage of over 410,000 gallons of crude oil, which has made its way into the Mira River.  The Mira River is the source that supplies the aqueduct which provides potable water to Tumaco.  The oil spill has forced the closure of the aqueduct – leaving over 160,000 people without potable water.

It is estimated that Tumaco will need over 600,000 liters of water daily to provide for its population.

I spoke with Piedad today, and the water tankers have not arrived to her neighborhood yet.  Piedad is still having to wrap her legs daily – and imagine the difficulties of not having access to water.  We have invited Piedad to come spend some time with us at the Clinic.  Her daughter, Susan, is now in school, but is just beginning a two week vacation.  Hopefully she will be able to come to San Lorenzo later this week.  Because of Susan’s schooling, I don’t know how long they will be able to stay, but we would be happy to have them here on a long-term basis.

Please pray for Piedad’s situation – and the crisis through which the entire population of Tumaco is passing.

If you are able, and are interested in helping Piedad, please consider helping us with the cost of her travel.

Piedad and Susan in Florida in 2014

Thank you!

Jane