June 19th, 2007

Somewhere in Nicaragua

On behalf of our friends at The Surf Sanctuary we are giving the NSR community the chance to change a baby girl’s life. A long time employee at the Surf Sanctuary camp, Abel, has a 7-month-old baby girl named Maria Anjelica. She was born with a severe cleft pallet. She did not make this year’s Smiling Faces Program, which is an international group of doctors who travel to third world countries to correct this birth defect. Time is of the essence with this surgery, so they are moving forward anyway. They have a surgeon willing to do the surgery for no charge, but there are still hospital bills, medication, nurses and other medical and transport costs involved.This will be a long process for Maria Anjelica and her family. The doctors expect at least three surgeries. The estimated cost at this time is around $2,000, a very small price to pay to change a young girl’s life forever. So far about $800 has been raised.We are giving everyone the opportunity to make a donation to help offset the costs. Many locals and friends have contributed time, transportation and money. Her first surgery is scheduled for next week. We are very excited to make this happen and the family is extremely grateful for all assistance.Any donations can be sent and made payable to:Tony Longobucco12443 San Jose BlvdSuite 503Jacksonville, FL 32223Please note the name Maria Anjelica on the memo part of your check. We can’t thank you enough.