Breno Sauer - Medical/Funeral Fund

Breno Sauer is a world-class Brazilian pianist who in 1974, settled in the Midwest with his wife Neusa and together, were pioneers of Brazilian music in Chicago, gracing the scene for over 40 years. A little over a month ago, Breno started having unexplained leg tremors that were diagnosed as restless leg syndrome. Soon after, he passed out at home and was hospitalized again, leaving his medical team searching for answers for the cause of his condition but were not able to come up with a diagnosis.  After several weeks of working against the clock in the face of his rapidly deteriorating condition, Breno was finally diagnosed with encephalitis, a debilitating viral inflammation of the brain. Unfortunately, his body was already beginning to shut down once a proper treatment plan was formulated. He lost mobility in his hands and ability eat and eventually culminated with a stroke. After being placed in hospice for several hours, Breno passed away this evening surrounded by the love of his wife of 53 years, his family, and his friends. Breno's final wishes were for his body to be cremated, and that his ashes be taken back to his native Brazil to rest alongside his parents. Neusa has been at Breno's bedside night and day. Although Breno was in his 80's, he continued to work and they were a dual-income household. Now, Neusa will be forced to make it on her own facing mounting medical costs and exorbitant funeral fees. Neusa was already struggling to pay off $11,000 in medical bills that had accrued over the last year. The funeral costs will range upward of $7,000 to cover the bare minimum. The final costs of the last 30 days of hospitalization and hospice care are still unknown at this time. Neusa has cared diligently for Breno over the years as he has struggled with many serious health issues, while bravely overcoming own her battles as a cancer survivor and a diabetic. Please help Neusa and her family get over this monumental financial hurdle and send Breno back home with whatever help you can. Anything you have to give would be a great blessing.