need help for hip replacement

Ani Lhaga is in dire need of a second hip replacement.  At the young age of 47, her left hip bone was replaced. And, now at age 51, her right hip bone has eroded to a dangerous point that threatens her ability to walk and function. Her pain is severe and is worsening. She spends most of her day lying flat and not moving. She is able to sit short periods of time and walk short distances with a cane. But, her ability to climb the steep stairs into her home, or walk the mountainous terrain is impossible.  

When we met Ani Lhaga, she appeared as a bright and gentle person. Only when she stood could we know what difficulties she was in. At the time and currently, she is carefully attended by women of the village and by her devoted brother, Lama Ajok. But, now, we know that they all desire that she be free of pain and be able to continue with her life. Without your help, her chance for this will be over since the recent x-rays show that the damage is close to being irreparable. The current recommendation is that the hip can still be replaced. The operation will be done in Chengdu, China, and will cost $11,000. This will cover surgical fees, medicine fees, transportation from Legon to Chengdu, and food and lodging in Chengdu for her caregivers during the hospitalization and rehabilitation periods.

Please donate to this worthy cause.

This drive is through Bodhi Seeds, an arm of Nalandabodhi, 501c3.  
Click "generosity" in the header to donate . We would like to raise $11,000 by July 31, 2015. 

A short biography and thought for Ani  Lhaga:

Ani Lhaga entered monastic life in childhood, and, at age 38, began her solitary retreat in one of the retreat caves of Samye, the first monastery built in Tibet in 755-759. After  ten years in retreat, her hip pain forced her to end her retreat.

Anyone in Ani-la's presence  immediately feels her great compassion. When I visited, I recall that her eyes gazed at me as if calling me to do kind things for everyone. It’s said in The Sutra of the Recollection of the Noble Three Jewels,

“As for the sangha of the great yana, they enter completely. They enter insightfully. They enter straightforwardly. They enter harmoniously. They are worthy of veneration with joined palms. They are worthy of receiving prostration. They are a field of glorious merit. They are completely capable of receiving all gifts.”

For me,  Ani Lhaga is a member of that great sangha. Please help our sister; it will be a great blessing for everyone when she is walking and able to practice again free of pain.