TEFL Teacher: Overseas Job Quest Turns into a Health Battle

In a time where there are so many people that needs help, assistance, another chance to make better of their life – it is unbelievable humbling and tbh, a very difficult thing to have to put aside your ego and ask for help. To have always been in a position to help others, and then all of a sudden your table turns and you have to try all ways to just get past this huge hurdle, not lose hope and say to yourself ‘Chin up Princess!’ and stray strong while the storm passes.

In short (and not using AI as below to use fancy English).My sister has been struggling to get a job in SA for years. She had to then leave to go Teach English/Kindergarden in China. She did that for a couple of years, she struggled with very low Iron and when things got really really bad in China during Covid – she came home (just in timebefore they locked theirborders) . After struggling with her health she eventually went for a hysterectomy.She was feeling healthier than she has felt in YEARS, but still, no work. Off to China again to make some money.This time was more difficult to leave as our parents are now older. Got a great job and flat in nice area… only to find out during routine medical check up for her Work visa she has a huge mass on her pancreas.

Had to remove it to be able to get Work Visa (which means no Medical Insurance before it is removed)…. Expenses heaped up even though she lived on the bare necessities to keep it low. 3 Months’ rent, massive medical bill to cover the huge operation and the Specialist that was needed. Now, finally she has been able to start to work – but first salary will only be end November (and then there is holidays again).My parents are retired, and don’t have the funds to assist any more. Her Passport has been taken away until she paid off the Hospital bill… This will take years. Please can we ask for any assistance to just help her get back on her feet a bit sooner, I’m so scared something happens to our parents and she is stuck there.This account is linked directly to her account – and she transfers to the Hospital.She wants me to remove this account as she is embarrassed to ask when there is so much need out there.I promise to pay it forward as soon as we are able to again. Thanks for reading until the end. MGB

ChatGPT Edition that makes me sound less Afrikaans.

I am reaching out on behalf of my sister, Maretha, who embarked on a new chapter in China, hoping for a fresh start due to employment challenges in South Africa. However, her journey took a heartbreaking turn when, during a routine medical check for her work permit, a significant mass was discovered in her pancreas – a mass the size of half her pancreas. Shockingly, Maretha had been entirely symptom-free, making this revelation all the more bewildering.

To add to her distress, Chinese authorities required her to undergo major surgery to remove the mass before she could officially start her job. Sadly, she had to shoulder the financial burden herself, as her work permit had not been issued, and her medical insurance had not yet taken effect. This was a devastating blow, especially since she was still grappling with debt accrued from a previous surgery just a year prior. Her primary motivation for moving to China had been to overcome this financial hardship, and now she faces even more medical expenses.

Maretha's surgery took place on October 8th, during which doctors, despite initially testing negative for cancer, treated the 8 x 9 cm cyst as if it were malignant. Half of her pancreas and her spleen were removed. Fortunately, the biopsy results revealed the mass to be benign, offering a glimmer of relief. After spending 14 days in the hospital, she was allowed to return home, still with a drainage tube in place. Her recovery is estimated to take at least another two weeks, but she is making progress.

We kindly request your support to help Maretha rebuild her life. Starting afresh in a foreign country comes with numerous initial challenges and setup costs. Assisting with her medical bills will alleviate a considerable burden and provide her with the peace of mind necessary to focus on her recovery. Throughout this ordeal, Maretha has shown remarkable courage, despite language barriers in the hospital and the geographical distance from her loved ones.

With her passport held until her debts are settled, Maretha remains uncertain about when she can resume working due to complications and, more importantly, is unable to return home if the need arises. Your generosity can make a significant difference in helping her regain her footing and surmount these unexpected challenges. Let's come together to support Maretha as she navigates this difficult journey and paves the way for a brighter future."

Uploaded medical bill is not the latest one, as she was in hospital again yesterday due to severe pain. She also needs to pay for rent and all the necessities for the last 3 months and at least another month before she gets her first pay check.