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Antonio's Recovery Fund

My nephew Antonio suffered a serious burning incident in Mexico that caused him up to 3rd degree burns from his face down to his right leg, totaling 9% of his body. He spent a total of 20 days hospitalized; six in the intensive care unit and had to receive skin grafts. While he is getting better, the costs of his inpatient and outpatient treatments will not be fully covered by health insurance.

Antonio was with a group of friends in Mexico City the evening of November 18, 2016, where he has been living and working since September 2015. Many were enjoying the warmth of a bonfire in the backyard. Unfortunately, later that night someone in the group decided to intensify the bonfire by simply throwing a liquid accelerant directly into the fire. Part of the lighted accelerant fell directly on Antonio who was sitting right across. He was rushed to the hospital and received emergency treatment. The doctors confirmed that Antonio’s body received 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 9% of his body including his face, right ear, arm, hand, and leg. During the first Operating Room (OR) intervention on the early morning of November 19th, the doctors confirmed Antonio’s upper respiratory track was burned and swollen, hence decided to keep him intubated.

As a result of these burns, Antonio was submitted to a total of four OR interventions within nine days. He remained intubated during his first three days and spent a total of 6 days in ICU / Intermediate ICU care. The first three procedures were focused on the debridement of damaged tissue. The last was skin grafting of the 3rd degree burn areas on his right hand and leg.

Antonio spent a total of 20 days hospitalized but thanks to the quick response and excellent hospital care received, he is already on a path to recovery. Hopefully Antonio will be walking and using his hand in two months or less. However, Antonio will need approximately a year and a half for his skin to fully recover and get back 100% of his mobility. Needless to say, due to the trauma of the unexpected incident compounded by adverse side effects he suffered from some sedatives while in ICU, psychological treatment was started while hospitalized and will be on-going.

Antonio’s family health plan may reimburse some but not all hospital and doctors costs. In addition, there are other medical supplies and equipment, rehabilitation, therapies, doctor follow-up visits, and travel costs between Mexico and his hometown in Puerto Rico, which will be incurred during his recovery. Antonio’s parents flew over to Mexico from Puerto Rico immediately after he was hospitalized and remain with him, which also adds costs.

Antonio is an intellectual, passionate and hard working individual that has always sought ways to help and serve others through his academic, professional, and personal work. Throughout his life Antonio has helped others volunteering and has won several prestigious academic and professional related awards such as Truman Scholarship Finalist, a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship, and the Fulbright Binational Business Grant.

Antonio and his family would greatly appreciate any economic assistance you could provide on his road to recovery.

Thank you very much!
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Donations 

  • Juan Santos
    • $30 
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Carmen Y Luis Diaz
Organizer
Guaynabo, PR
Antonio Rivera
Beneficiary

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