Over the past months we’ve done a number of stories on Christina Zetina. She’s the courageous young women who was targeted by a man deranged by jealousy who shot her in the leg. She later lost that leg – and we’ve been tracking her struggle to cope with the loss and get back on her feet. Well, she got some encouragement today, from a most unexpected source. I found out more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Fifty six year old Petronilla Robinson Saldano left Belize for the United States thirty six years ago she has been returning yearly to visit family this trip however took her to the home of twenty one year old Christina Zetina. Petronilla an officer of International Securities at the Bank of New York says after reading about Christina’s tragedy on 7newsbelize.com she was so moved by the young woman’s courageous spirit that they just had to meet.
Petronilla Robinson Saldano, Belizean American
“She appeared to be a very beautiful girl and meeting her in person she is just as beautiful. I am excited to be here with her today.”
The bullet that struck Christina not only left her disabled but she cannot afford the medical care she needs. But most importantly Christina remains determined to walk again. The challenge however has been affording the therapy and the prosthesis she needs. And this survivor has been overwhelmed by the support that she believes will help her dream come through one day.
Christina Zetina, Survivor of Gunshot Injury
“My aim is to try to get a prosthesis right and that is very expensive and the therapy is expensive too but I will try and raise funds.”
Petronilla Robinson Saldano,
“I just wanted to let her know that whatever she plans to do, whatever her dreams are, just to know to proceed with her dreams and accomplish her dreams because don’t let anything stop her in life.”
The card that Christina received not only had well wishes from her international supporters but they also managed to gather some funds in a very short time
Petronilla Robinson Saldano,
“It was a very easy task for me because I was really touched by the story and right away I figured I wanted to do something about it and I went out to the employees in the international department at the Bank of New York and they were just as happy to give the donations and they are very excited. It was a very short time and what I would like to do is when I return to New York I would like to contact the Belize Association to do a fundraiser for her.”
Christina Zetina,
“I was happy and well I am glad I finally met her. I feel good and I want to thank her and all the support that she got over there. I want to thank everyone. I appreciate it a lot.”
Petronilla says she is troubled by the way crime has affected especially young women like Christina who has so much potential if given the assistance.
Petronilla Robinson Saldano,
“I think it is a very terrible situation right now in Belize and I know that you cannot expect any results in such a short time but I would like to see slowly and finally putting an end to what’s going in Belize. At this point I believe there should be tougher penalties for those found with unlicensed firearms and also tougher penalties on those that are convicted of a crime.”
If you can assist Christina Zetina you can give her call at telephone number 604 –3169. Financial donations can also be made to Atlantic Bank account number 210 935 498. The Zetina family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those persons who have assisted including the Pena family, the Belize City Council, Fabrigas and the employees of the Bank of New York. Lenny Bennett is the man accused of shooting Christina. He remains on remand at the Hattieville Prison for the attempted murder.
