As Erika’s sisters (Jasper, Monica, Cate), we want to share some news on behalf of Erika & her family:

The events surrounding Erika’s husband, Javier’s medical emergency could have ended very differently last week. Watching what they’ve gone through this past week has been both scary and amazing.

We believe Javier is still with us today because of a series of moments that can only be described as miraculous. We also feel strongly that our mother, Connie (Aunt Connie), was watching over him.

If you know Erika, you know how strong and independent she is. Asking for help does not come easily to her or to Javier.

But as they navigate his recovery, ongoing medical care, and time away from work over the next couple of months, we want to create a way for those who love them to show up.

Whether through your support or your positive thoughts, it truly means more than we can express. If you prefer to support Erika directly, you can reach out to Jasper or Monica for her Venmo information.

Below is a note from Erika and her family.

My dear friends and family,

We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Your love and support have carried us through the most frightening experiences as a family. We want to share what happened to Javier because it truly feels like a series of impossible moments that somehow aligned to save him.

There are many things that felt nothing short of miraculous: We had just moved to Rochester this fall, home to the Mayo Clinic and one of the best cardiac centers in the world. After a challenging winter, especially as a blended family, Javier and I decided to get married in March. On April 1, I decided to add him to my insurance. This was a decision I almost passed on because of the cost. Just one week later, everything changed for us.

Last Tuesday, while I was an hour away at work, Javier called to tell me he had fainted. He had experienced a few mild episodes in the days prior, but this time was different. Somehow, he made it through the day and got home from work safely. I found out he lost consciousness while driving and avoided hurting himself or anyone else on the road.

That evening, trusting his instincts and for the first time in 10 years, he agreed we should seek medical care. That decision saved his life. At the ER, things escalated quickly. Within minutes, a team of doctors and nurses began urgent care. Without alarming us, they moved him into critical care and prepared for transfer to Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital. In the hours that followed, we learned how close we had come to losing him. Javier was diagnosed with Nonischemic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is a hereditary condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

One of his cardiologists told us that 95% of people who experience an event like his do not survive or are left unable to live independently. By all medical expectations, Javier should not be here. And yet, he is.

The ER team acted immediately and transferred him to the exact care he needed. Within days, doctors implanted a lifesaving device, an ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) that also functions as a pacemaker. This device will monitor his heart and can intervene instantly if his life is at risk again.

We are beyond grateful. But we are also facing a new reality. Javier cannot drive for the next few months. He is adjusting emotionally and physically to living with his device and being unable to work. Ongoing cardiology care, medications, and recovery time will impact our ability to work and maintain financial stability.

Asking for help is not easy for Javier. He is private, strong, and proud. But this experience has humbled us. We cannot do this alone. If you feel called to support our family during this time, we would be deeply grateful. Your support will help cover medical expenses, recovery needs, and allow Javier the time he needs to heal safely.

More than anything, thank you for your prayers and love.

With deep gratitude,

Erika, Javier, and Susy

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