Empowering the Villanueva Family Through Adversity

Join Me in Supporting Their Dream of a Sustainable Business

Dear Friends,

This update is a bit different than the usual ones. I've been deeply touched by a family's circumstances here in Chile and I'm asking for your help. Two weeks ago I switched to a new host family and my life has been pretty darn good. I promise to share more about this experience soon, but today I want to focus on a story that has moved me and see if we can come together to help my neighbors, the Villanueva family.

Over the past two weeks I have gotten to know Robert and Johanna as well as their three children, Enyel, Franco, and Ainara. They are in a tough spot but with our help they can make it to the other side.

Robert's Health Challenges

Robert, the family's primary breadwinner, suffers from lifelong thrombophilia—a condition that causes his blood to clot too easily. This serious health issue requires him to avoid any hits or cuts, as they can quickly lead to life-threatening complications.

Since his diagnosis, Robert has endured 12 blood clots and a heart attack, spending months in the hospital, including a period in a coma. Tragically, he had to have his right leg amputated due to the severity of his condition.

The Family's Struggle

These health challenges have made it extremely difficult for Robert to find work. His wife, Johanna, has taken on the role of his primary caregiver while also caring for her own mother. When I met the Villanuevas, they had no food to feed their kids and couldn’t see any hope. They are now being supported by my host family, and we bring them food every week. Despite these hardships, the Villanueva family remains hopeful and determined to create a stable and secure future for their children.

The Path to Stability: A Minimarket

FOSIS, the Fondo de Solidaridad e Inversión Social, is a public institution in Chile that focuses on social development and poverty alleviation. Operating under the Ministry of Social Development and Family, FOSIS aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals and families.

The Villanueva family submitted a business plan to FOSIS to build a minimarket at their home and received essential equipment, including a freezer, refrigerator, and electric delivery cart. In Chile, minimarkets are often built outside or attached to homes and sell food and home goods to the surrounding neighborhood. Although the Villanuevas have been sidelined by Robert’s condition, with our help they can finish constructing their storefront and create a sustainable source of income. Robert and Johanna will both be able to work, allowing them to avoid dangerous situations just to feed their family.

How We Can Help

With your support, the Villanueva family can complete their minimarket, providing them with a steady income and helping them rebuild their lives. Your generosity will enable them to achieve a stable and secure future for their children, giving them the chance to thrive despite their challenges.

Because GoFundMe does not link directly to Chilean bank accounts, funds raised will go through my mother (Shelley Blackwell) and then sent to the Chilean organization, ONG Vamos, to pay for materials and construction of the minimarket storefront. You can donate by clicking “Support the Villanueva Family” below.

If you want to learn more about ONG Vamos you can visit their website: ongvamos.org or check out their Instagram: @vamosong_chile.

Love,

Owen