Help Andrés & His Family Heal, Debt-Free

Please help us help Andrés and his family as they face an impossible financial burden while healing from a dire medical situation.

We’re calling in support for our humble and huge-hearted friend, brother, and collaborator, Andrés Sancoy of San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. Andrés is currently fighting for his life, in grave medical condition, with skyrocketing medical bills well beyond his family’s means, and a long road of recovery ahead where he will be unable to work.

28-year-old Andrés is a kind, honest, hard-working man who lives for his family. He has two young children who need him and a community that loves him dearly. Please help us raise funds to cover his medical expenses and help his family through what are certain to be very difficult months ahead.

Andrés was injured in an accident one month ago, at a Father’s Day football game with his kids, and has been fighting for his life ever since. The organs in his abdomen, including his intestines, stomach, and liver, were severely damaged. Initial medical care at a public government hospital led to further complications, as they overlooked the holes in his small and large intestines. He had two small holes in his small intestine and one large hole in his large intestine. The government hospital did not find these holes and returned him home where all of his food waste was leaking inside him, creating a toxic environment that led to further organ failure. His situation worsened. He experienced acute kidney failure, sepsis throughout his body (due to fecal matter and toxins re-circulating in his system), severe inflammation, and a near shutdown of his abdominal organs. The pain became unbearable, eating and drinking impossible.

He is now at a private clinic where he is being cared for by specialists around the clock, however, his family is unable to afford the increasing medical expenses. The doctor admits that Andrés’ case is severe, difficult, and needs all the attention possible.

The intestinal holes have been sutured through various surgeries including a colostomy, the sepsis infections brought under control, and he is receiving IV to remain hydrated with the essential minerals. His organs are dangerously swollen and his abdomen is currently open as we wait and pray for the inflammation to reduce so the surgeons can stitch him up again and allow for healing.

Through it all there is great hope. We are in constant communication with Andrés (as he’s able), his medical team, and his family via phone, text, and in-person visits. We are all working to ensure that Andrés’ health comes first.

We have paid the private clinic an initial ‘green light’ payment of 15,750 Quetzales ($2,033 USD) to allow them to perform necessary care and stabilize Andrés’ condition. There is much more work to be done. They understand that the expense is far beyond what the family can afford and are doing their best to ensure quality medical care within reason. The doctors estimate the final cost could be closer to 100,000 Quetzales ($13,000 USD), with many unknowns and risks along the way.

The recovery period will be similarly long and challenging, with Andrés unable to work and provide for his family for an unforeseeable period of time.

Currently, Andrés is experiencing intense and continuous pain, enduring one unexpected surgery after another, and is also expressing guilt for adding such financial strain to his family and has even suggested that his family let him come home to pass away. However humble, his heart is still as bright as ever, the same heart we all felt the moment we met him.

Our goal is that Andrés and his family are able to shift their focus from the impossible financial burden they face to the delicate task of healing and recovery with support. We are calling in the help of community far and wide to aid in this journey. A little bit goes a long way. Please consider that many of us in the West experience the privilege of accessible or subsidized quality health care, as well as government and employer assistance through medical emergencies and leaves of absence. This is not the case for most families in Guatemala. Most live day to day, working hard each day to put food on the table at night, with little to no savings or support to cover such emergencies.

Please give generously, as you can. Your money is energy. It is the energy of Love, which will alter the reality of Andrés and his family. Sharing this fundraiser with others will be helpful and highly appreciated. All of the funds will be used to pay Andrés medical bills, and in case there are extra funds left, will be given to Andrés to support him and his family during his recovery time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your generous support,

Stephanie Kittell, VJ Bala, Dar Sernoff