Help Elaine
Fundraising campaign by
Elaine Dang
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US$23,038Donated So Far
Campaign Story
Elaine is a fighter. She has fought for what she believes in, fought for others, and fought for her life. In June of 2012, Elaine left Southern California to pursue her passion for providing education to under-served children. She joined a company that builds and operates schools serving some of the most vulnerable children across Kenya. During her time there, Elaine discovered that one of her professional strengths was managing those working at visionary companies. In June of 2013, Elaine joined an innovative Kenyan start-up company called EatOut.
On September 21st, Elaine went to the Westgate Mall in Nairobi to serve as a judge for a children’s cooking competition. While the competition took place on the rooftop, terrorists from an extremist group stormed the mall and began a siege that lasted more than four days. More than sixty people, including children and adults, lost their lives that day, and many more were injured.
Though she suffered trauma to her chest, legs, arm, and head, Elaine thankfully escaped the rooftop alive. Local medical staff removed glass from her eye and shrapnel from her forehead and chest, however pieces of shrapnel and shards of glass still remain in her body. Her road to recovery began in Nairobi and will continue in the US as Elaine continues to require medical treatment.
Elaine has returned home to California in order to be home with her family and ensure that she receives the best possible medical care. However, concerns over how she and her family will pay the costs associated with this medical care has created a great deal of concern during an already stressful time.
Your support will help ensure that Elaine is able to continue her journey back to health. The funds raised on this site will go towards paying for necessary medical treatment and counseling. The funding goal will be updated to reflect the exact cost of treatments after medical professionals have determined the extent of Elaine's injuries. Any money beyond what is necessary to cover medical care will be donated to the Kenyan Red Cross.
***UPDATE October 26, 2013: Elaine will do what is in her power to maximize the impact this fundraiser can have, so in addition to the Kenya Red Cross, she has decided that the funds raised beyond the $20,000 mark will go towards PACE (Promoting Access to Community Education) where she is an advisor.
PACE's founder and managing director, Peggy Mativo, has been recognised by the Clinton Foundation as a leader in Kenyan education and youth mobililzation. The organisation has impacted over 3,000 students by enlisting volunteers in classrooms across Kenya.
Elaine and her family wish to thank you for your generosity and support. If you have any questions or want to offer non-monetary support, please email [email protected].
Sincerely,
The Dang Family
Organizer
- Elaine Dang
- San Diego, US
Donors
- New Leaders Council
- Donated on Nov 27, 2013
- Guest
- Donated on Nov 09, 2013
Elaine's Progress 4
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 04:22 pmHello friends, family and supporters, It's been a while since we've updated you all on Elaine's update. Elaine is still practicing yoga regularly which is helping her overall recovery, but is particularly beneficial in activating some of her nerves that were damaged in her leg and arm.. . . . .
Funds raised over $20,000 will go to PACE
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 11:53 pmElaine will do what is in her power to minimize the amount used for her medical expenses (she's working with the government to claim as many of available funds as possible to her) and to maximize the impact this fundraiser can have. Thus, in addition to the Kenya Red Cross, she. . . . .
Special Thanks to LasikSD
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 01:38 amA special thank you to my cousin, Dr. Paul Huynh, for removing shrapnel from my arm. Although he is a LASIK specialist, he was able to use his tools to remove the shrapnel that we recently found near the surface of my skin. If you ever need amazing LASIK
Elaine's Progress 3
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 12:32 amTo all of Elaine's supporters, friends, family: Wow. We've done it. We've have hit the $20,000 mark! Big thank you again to everyone who donated and shared Elaine's story. It is through the transformation of storytelling that has helped Elaine heal as we recognize the power of telling about. . . . .
Elaine's Progress 2
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 01:31 pmHi everyone, Wow - THANK YOU to all that have donated! The amount of support and positivity we have received is unmatched. Elaine with the support of her mother and sister, Mary, shared their story with Anderson Cooper last week. We decided this was the best platform to share. . . . .
Elaine's Progress 1
Update posted by Elaine Dang at 02:45 pmHi everyone, Our family is so grateful by the generosity we have received from family, friends, and good hearted people from all over the world. Thank you to those who are spreading the message about Elaine's story and her recovery on our behalf. Elaine was admitted to the emergency room. . . . .
Donors & Comments
- Guest
- Donated on Dec 12, 2013
Best wishes to miss Dang!!!!
- New Leaders Council
- Donated on Nov 27, 2013
- Guest
- Donated on Nov 09, 2013
- Guest
- Donated on Nov 08, 2013
- Peter Livingston
- Donated on Nov 07, 2013
- Matt Biros
- Donated on Nov 06, 2013
God has a special place for children and those that care for children.
- Tim & Karina
- Donated on Nov 06, 2013
Thinking of you as the recovery continues. Mik hasn't worked so hard in months!!
- jpatterson
- Donated on Nov 05, 2013
Elaine, Blessings to you and your using your experience to make a profound difference. Jeff
- POLLY YANG
- Donated on Oct 30, 2013
GLAD YOU SURVIVE!! BE STRONG AND BE POSITIVE, GET WELL SOON
- Prof. Walter & Milly Alvarez
- Donated on Oct 30, 2013
Best wishes to miss Dang!!!!