Meet Gloria Velasquez
Meet Gloria, our 2018 Lake Travis Neighbors in Need Golf Benefit recipient. Gloria is a 10-year-old burn survivor. When Gloria was 6, she was standing too close to a bonfire when the edge of her dress caught fire. She was severely burned on more that 50% of her body, from her chest down to her ankles.
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Gloria is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. She has faced incredibly difficult circumstances and has risen above these obstacles with an amazing attitude of gratitude. Even though burns cover more than 50% of her body, it does not stop her from wearing summer cloths, bathing suits, and being a care-free kid. She can only be in the sun for 10 consecutive minutes following a 30-minute break. In spite of these limitations, it does not hold her back from helping others. Only a year after the accident she was inspired to give back to the IC unit at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, where she was treated. She made a commitment to give the Christmas gifts she received to the children in the burn unit.
Just a few years later she expanded her vision to have a gift drive for all the kids that are patients at the hospital. Gloria’s mom, Michelle says, “The joy, on my daughters face, when she brings these gifts to the hospital is more than words can describe.” Not only is she a philanthropist at the age of 10, she is an advocate for fire safety. She openly speaks out to help other children understand the seriousness of playing with fire.
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Gloria and her family continue to persevere and stay positive through many obstacles they face every day! They drive down to Galveston every 3 months to undergo surgery at Shriners Hospital to soften her skin, as she grows. She has already had 22 surgeries and will need to continue on this path of surgery ever 3 months until approximately age 18.
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The cost of travel and income lost due to time off work has made it especially difficult for her parents. From time to time they have to rent a vehicle to get her down to Galveston, as their car is not always reliable.
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Please help us as we try to raise funds, for Gloria’s medical and travel expenses as she continues her journey of healing. Thank you for being a part of raising awareness and support for this incredible young lady and her family!