A Giver of Joy

My name is John. I’m a member of a small bible study group. I’m writing concerning a member of our group, Manuel Gracia.

Manuel is 57 years old; he is married, and they have one child. Manuel is best described as a man who loves his faith, family, and people. He loves all people. He is the most inclusive person I know. When he enters a room, both friend and stranger are greeted with the same smile, enthusiasm, and warmth. Manuel is self-employed as a recreational therapist and activity director or “entertainer” who visits residential care facilities. Manuel is a “giver of joy” to many people who experience deep loneliness and are in extreme need of connection. He entertains through conversation, exercise, music, dance, crafts, storytelling, and even costume dress-up. Best of all, though, is that he treats each resident with love and affection. Manuel knows each resident by name; He knows their family and history. For Manuel, there is no greater joy than to see a smile on the face of one of these dear ones, his resident friends.

Two years ago (2020) Manuel suffered an aortic dissection: a tear in the inner layer of the large blood vessel branching off the heart. His survival from this episode is miraculous. Unfortunately, in 2021, a second similar event occurred, requiring another surgery. In July 2022, double aorta surgeries were necessary to repair a leak (tear) and rupture. As you can imagine, this is a terrifying time for Manual and his family.

Manuel is now home, regaining strength from his most recent surgeries. Another open heart “aortic arch replacement” surgery is planned for August 2022.

Being self-employed, there is no income when Manuel doesn’t work. The events of the last two years have severely impacted earnings and depleted savings. Under the best of circumstances, Manuel's income is average, living from paycheck to paycheck. Manuel’s wife, Pilar, is also a caregiver, but much of her time has been devoted to Manuel’s care. With both focusing on recovery, the financial need for their family is immediate and significant.

We aim to raise funds to cover six months of mortgage and monthly expenses, July-December 2022.

Achieving this objective by August 31st will provide significant financial relief for the Gracia family and aid Manuel’s recovery since his greatest stress will be lifted. Manuel has blessed so many people in his life and has plans to keep blessing others in the future. Please be a blessing to Manuel and his family today and be another giver of joy. Thank you for your generosity.