A Mother’s Fight for Life

At 37 years old, Arlene's life took a terrifying turn when she began experiencing severe pain in her neck and ear. The source of her agony was lumps, or abscesses, filled with infection. The pain was so intense that it left her unable to speak, drink, or even breathe comfortably.

"I was crying in pain, I couldn’t even explain what was going on," Arlene recalls. "I could not talk, I could hardly drink water—it was even hard to breathe."

Doctors delivered a grim diagnosis: surgery was the only way to remove the infected lumps and prevent the infection from spreading to her brain or heart—both of which could prove fatal.

"I heard what the doctors said, I could really die if I go home," Arlene admitted. "And I don’t wanna die because I have a son."

As a single mother and the sole provider for her young son, Arlene's financial situation was dire. Her income as a customer service agent was barely enough to cover her family's basic needs, let alone the $3,000 needed for life-saving surgery and the associated hospital stay.

"I lost hope. I don’t know how to make it work, I could not find a way…" Arlene expressed, overwhelmed by the mounting fear and uncertainty.

Then, in the midst of her despair, a friend connected Arlene with Operation Blessing. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Operation Blessing quickly covered the cost of Arlene's emergency surgery. They also funded her extended stay in the hospital for the necessary antibiotic infusions.

Today, Arlene is home, fully recovered, and caring for her son. The surgery was a complete success, and her life has been forever changed.
"You really saved my life, you extended my life, and I will never forget that," Arlene said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much."