We're reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your help during one of the most painful moments our family has ever faced.

A few months ago, my uncle

Gabino was simply driving home when he suddenly experienced a medical emergency—his leg went numb, and he could barely control it. Scared but determined to make it home safely, he slowed down and kept driving cautiously. Tragically, that decision changed the course of his life.

He was pulled over by the police, who suspected him of driving under the influence. Despite his repeated pleas that he was not intoxicated and was experiencing a serious medical issue, they forced him to perform a sobriety test. He couldn’t walk a straight line—not because he was drunk, but because he physically couldn’t. Instead of showing compassion or seeking medical help, they assumed he was faking and arrested him on the spot.

My uncle was detained for over a week. During that time, he was denied the most basic human dignities. He was not given proper food or care. He was left to sit in his own waste. Our family tried desperately to visit him and advocate for him, but the system made it nearly impossible. They dismissed his worsening condition, saying he was exaggerating to get out of jail.

By the time we were finally able to intervene and demand medical care, it was nearly too late.

My uncle is now in the ICU. The delay in care caused his condition to deteriorate drastically. He fell into a coma for over a month. He cannot breathe on his own. He has a chest tube. He cannot move. He is still fighting for his life, and every day is filled with uncertainty.

We are devastated. This could have been prevented if someone—anyone—had just believed him.

The heartbreak goes even deeper. My uncle was a pillar in our family. He helped care for our grandmother, who relied on him not only for rides to doctor’s appointments, but also for financial support. With him now incapacitated, she too is left vulnerable and in distress.

Now, our family is faced with overwhelming medical bills, and we’re doing everything we can to keep him stable and get him the care he so desperately needs and deserves. The costs of the ICU, long-term care, and rehabilitation are piling up fast. We’re emotionally, physically, and financially drained—but we’re not giving up.

Please, if you can, help us. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly toward his medical bills and recovery. If you can't donate, sharing this story means the world to us too.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please keep my uncle in your thoughts and prayers.