A Family Found

A Family Found

They didn’t have the means to give Maria the life-saving surgery she needed, let alone manage the overwhelming logistics of seeking care abroad.

Then, a call came that changed everything…

From the moment they heard Maria’s story, Saint Raphael’s team mobilized not just medical connections but a network of care and compassion that embraced the family. It started with the small things—explaining the process in clear, comforting words, arranging passports, and coordinating their travel. When the family arrived in Paris, exhausted and unsure, volunteers were already waiting at the station. They welcomed Maria, Sofia, and Luca with warmth and familiarity, carrying their bags and their burdens. A cozy apartment awaited them, stocked with everything from fresh meals to toys that brought the light back to Maria’s eyes.

Saint Raphael’s volunteers became an extension of the family. They accompanied them to doctor’s appointments, translated every difficult conversation, and even found ways to celebrate Maria’s favorite traditions from home—like surprising her with a small olive branch wreath during the holidays.

Sofia reflects, “At first, I thought we were alone in the world. But Saint Raphael showed us that there are people who truly care, who make your pain their own.”

When Maria finally came home after the surgery, it wasn’t just her heart that was stronger—it was her family’s spirit. They returned to Florence carrying not just hope but the knowledge that even strangers can become family when compassion leads the way. Saint Raphael wasn’t just part of Maria’s story—they became part of her life, proving that sometimes the greatest healing comes not from medicine but from the hands and hearts of those who care.