Hi, my name is Gilberto. I am a Navy veteran, and about a year ago while in nursing school, I broke my neck and severed my spinal cord, leaving me paralyzed from the neck down with the exception of my right arm but not my right hand. My parents were told I wasn't going to make it, but after multiple surgeries, I was stabilized. I was then told I would never be off a ventilator or be able to move again, so I spent about six months in the hospital fighting tooth and nail to be able to breathe on my own and be able to move my right arm. I am now bound to a power wheelchair and hospital bed for the rest of my life due to my spinal cord injury. This has made life difficult for not only myself but my family, who now have to care for their adult child once again, which is not an easy task physically, mentally, or emotionally.

So I ask that you please help. Any donation, big or small, will go towards equipment such as a wheelchair-accessible van because currently, I am stuck at home with no way to get around. Donations will also go towards a home generator because Houston is prone to hurricanes and blackouts, leaving me no way to power equipment I need to live. Finally, any other donations will also be put towards a service dog. When I had my injury, I lost my friends and now ex-girlfriend. Not only would a service dog make an excellent companion, but it would be able to help me accomplish things I cannot do on my own as well as get help when I cannot get it myself.

So once again, I ask that you please help with any donation because no matter how big or small, it would make a huge impact on my life. Thank you.