Help Aldo & Brian Recover From Major Life Events

Hi my name is Brian Darling, and I’m asking for some assistance to raise funds to help cover out of pocket  medical and daily expenses for my husband  Aldo and me.  

Aldo developed an aggressive tumor in his lower jaw, called a MANDIBULAR AMELOBLASTOMA. The tumor became very aggressive and was eating away at Aldo’s jaw, which was causing his lower teeth to collapse. We needed to act quickly.

On December 18, 2023, Aldo was admitted to Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and underwent a grueling surgery that lasted over 12 hours. 

The procedures performed were:

Mandibulectomy

Mandible Open Reduction Internal Fixation

Neck Exploration for Blood Vessels

Fibula Free Flap for Oral Reconstruction

Transosteal Planting of Mandible

Tracheostomy

Dental Implants temporary prosthesis placement

Most of Aldo’s lower mandible , which contained the tumor was removed. The surgeons took bone from Aldo’s fibula and reconstructed/ transplanted that to replace the bone that was removed. Dental implants were placed into that new bone, and a temporary prosthesis was attached. Additionally, Aldo needed a Tracheostomy (breathing tube) due to the long duration of the surgery.

He was in the ICU for two days.  He’s also has a feeding tube through his nose. He has a boot on his lower leg where the fibula bone was removed.

Aldo will not be able to go back to work for an extended period of time. 

Additionally I had to take a leave of absence from my job to care for my husband. 

I was just diagnosed with 2 hernias and also lost my job unexpectedly. We fear I may have some sort of intestinal blockage.   

It’s very humbling and somewhat embarrassing to have to ask for help….. but this surgery has dealt us a very large blow, and my job loss and medical issues are just adding fuel to our financial meltdown.  

We’re grateful that Aldo’s  tumor was NOT cancerous, and our surgeons are optimistic that Aldo will eventually recover fully, but we have a VERY long road ahead, and we’re just taking it a day at a time. 

All funds raised will be used to pay for medical bills, rehabilitation, and basic daily expenses.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity….. as we go through this very difficult and long journey.

With a little help from you, we can get through this!