PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation recently presented a lifesaving oxygen machine to a longtime St. Maarten resident, who was in dire need of the machine for her very survival.
The woman, Rosa Isaura Pilozo Mantuano, had been hospitalized at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) due to her poor health. Her lung had collapsed and she urgently needed the oxygen machine. An urgent request was made to Tzu Chi for assistance on November 23, 2020.
Mantuano had been residing on the island since 2011, and she had been uninsured. Due to the severity of her condition and because she has no family in St. Maarten to help take care of her, she was planning her return to her native Ecuador. She was scheduled to depart for Ecuador on Friday, November 27.
Within a short period of time, Tzu Chi volunteers graciously and lovingly put their donations together and coupled with a contribution of US $1,000 from Mantuano’s friends, the Foundation was able to purchase the US $2,280 oxygen machine on November 26.
The machine was delivered to Mantuano on the same day, paving the way for her to be discharged from the hospital (that night) and prepare to leave the island the following day – November 27. Tzu Chi volunteers said the medical team, who had been taking care of Mantuano had been very good to her and very professional in handling her situation. They also cooperated with Tzu Chi by allowing them to meet with her.
On the day of her departure, five Tzu Chi volunteers blessed Mantuano with some cash and a five language Jingsi Aphorisms and Red Hong Bao a blessing from Dharma Master Cheng Yen and wished her a safe trip back home.
Mantuano had been very emotional with tears when Tzu Chi volunteers delivered the oxygen machine. She was very grateful to everyone who put their hands together to help her during her time of need.
