Aid Ernesto Sr.'s Fight Against Infection

First off, I want to thank our friends and family who have constantly sent their thoughts and prayers for Ernesto Trujillo Sr. My name is Ernesto Trujillo Jr. (Ernie), and I am helping my family navigate these hard times.

Unfortunately, my father had to go to the ER on July 3rd at 11:50 pm. I drove him to RUSH Hospital due to excessive dehydration, but we were not prepared for the days to come. On July 4th at 3 am, his body went into shock, and he was being treated for what was, at the time, an unknown infection.

The infection invaded his kidney and completely shut it down, and that's when he began fighting for his life. His diabetes contributed to the shock. As his kidneys shut down, his liver was also being affected, and his blood became acidic.

On July 5th, he was on various medications and required Oxycodone just to control his pain. Despite the treatment, there was no sign of improvement. Various doctors from different fields examined his organs to help us fight his battle.

By July 6th, doctors were able to narrow down the infection. Unfortunately, Ernesto Sr. had contracted a severe case of salmonella. The salmonella was so severe that it damaged his kidney and liver and worsened his diabetes. On this day, his fever was constant, and doctors were concerned that he was in hyperpyrexia, as his temperature reached 104.7 degrees.

On July 7th, our family received some good news. However, his kidney had taken the majority of the infection, causing him to need dialysis.

By July 9th, he was transferred out of the ICU and was slowly recovering. His life was no longer in danger. The dialysis helped him fight the infection, but unfortunately, he still needs more treatments. He cannot move and is struggling both physically and mentally.

My mother (Alma Sanchez), my brother Chris Trujillo, and I (Ernie) have been taking turns staying overnight to watch my father. While we are doing our best, we all have jobs, and missing work for a few days has been challenging. My father is the main income earner in their household, and with my mom missing work, they will need financial help. My mother, who is a two-time cancer survivor and still undergoing treatment, should not have to worry about medical bills and house expenses. So, I (Ernie) am requesting help for them. As of July 11th, my father is still in RUSH Hospital receiving medication and attention.

Again I want to thank everyone because we absolutely have wonderful people who have been concerned about him and our own wellbeing. We pray for his recovery.

Thanks to all.

Ernesto Jr.