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Overcoming a Tough Journey After Losing His Leg

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A Second Chance to Walk: The Story of Santiago Arce and a Fight for Life

Life can change in a second. For the Arce family, that second came on an ordinary afternoon, when Santiago a husband, father, and tireless worker was returning home after a long day, hoping to spend time with his wife and young son.

Just a few blocks from his home, Santiago was the victim of an attempted robbery. Without a word, one of the attackers fired a shot. The bullet struck directly into his left leg. Neighbors rushed to help and managed to get him urgently to the hospital.

Doctors did everything they could to save the leg, but the injury was so severe that there was no other option: to save his life, they had to amputate it.

From that moment on, Santiago’s life changed forever.

He now faces not only the physical and emotional pain of losing a limb but also the harsh consequences that followed: he lost his job, as his current mobility prevents him from continuing his usual work. Today, Santiago has no income to support his family or cover the medical expenses that keep piling up.

Despite everything, Santiago has not lost hope. His greatest wish is to walk again, regain his independence, and offer his son a dignified life. To achieve this, he needs a prosthetic leg that will allow him to resume his daily activities, along with rehabilitation therapy, medications, and basic household support while he recovers.

That’s why we’ve launched this fundraising campaign with a goal of $75,000 USD, to cover:

  • A high-quality prosthetic leg that offers safe and functional mobility
  • Specialized physical rehabilitation
  • Post-operative medications and medical checkups
  • Basic household expenses while he recovers and works toward rejoining the workforce

How can you help?

  • With a donation—no matter how small. Every dollar counts and brings Santiago closer to recovery.
  • By sharing this story on your social media, in groups, or with kind-hearted people.
  • By leaving a message of encouragement for Santiago and his family, who need it now more than ever.

Santiago is not looking for pity—he’s asking for an opportunity. A new chance to walk, work, care for his son, and rebuild his life. With your help, it’s possible.

Thank you for being part of this cause. Thank you for restoring hope to a family that has lost everything… except their will to keep going.

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Una segunda oportunidad para caminar: la historia de Santiago Arce y una lucha por la vida

La vida puede cambiar en un segundo. Para la familia Arce, ese segundo ocurrió una tarde cualquiera, cuando Santiago esposo, padre y trabajador incansable regresaba a casa después de una larga jornada, con la esperanza de compartir con su esposa y su pequeño hijo.

A pocas cuadras de su hogar, Santiago fue víctima de un intento de robo. Sin mediar palabra, uno de los atacantes disparó. El proyectil impactó directamente en su pierna izquierda. Vecinos corrieron a ayudar, logrando llevarlo de urgencia al hospital.

Los médicos hicieron todo lo posible por salvar la pierna, pero la gravedad de la herida era tan grande que no hubo otra opción: para salvar su vida, fue necesario amputarla.

Desde ese momento, la vida de Santiago cambió para siempre.

Ya no solo enfrenta el dolor físico y emocional de perder una extremidad, sino también las duras consecuencias que esto trajo consigo: perdió su empleo, ya que su movilidad actual le impide continuar con sus labores habituales. Hoy Santiago no cuenta con ingresos para sostener a su familia ni cubrir los gastos médicos que se acumulan a diario.

A pesar de todo, Santiago no ha perdido la esperanza. Su mayor anhelo es volver a caminar, recuperar su independencia y ofrecerle a su hijo una vida digna. Para lograrlo, necesita una prótesis que le permita retomar sus actividades, junto con terapias de rehabilitación, medicamentos y el sostenimiento básico de su hogar mientras se recupera.

Por eso, hemos iniciado esta campaña solidaria con una meta de $75,000 USD, destinados a:
  • Una prótesis de alta calidad que le permita movilidad segura y funcional
  • Rehabilitación física especializada
  • Medicamentos y controles médicos postoperatorios
  • Sostenimiento básico del hogar mientras se recupera y busca reinsertarse laboralmente

¿Cómo puedes ayudar?

  • Con una donación, por pequeña que sea. Cada dólar suma y acorta el camino hacia la recuperación.
  • Compartiendo esta historia en tus redes, grupos y con personas solidarias.
  • Dejando un mensaje de apoyo para Santiago y su familia, que tanto lo necesitan.

Santiago no busca compasión, sino una oportunidad. Una nueva posibilidad para caminar, trabajar, cuidar de su hijo y reconstruir su vida. Con tu ayuda, lo podemos lograr.

Gracias por ser parte de esta causa. Gracias por devolverle la esperanza a una familia que lo perdió todo… menos las ganas de salir adelante.
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    Organizer

    Jordi Silva
    Organizer
    Forest Hills, NY

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