Bring Back The Melody of Life for Chris Guerzo

Dear Compassionate Hearts,

I am Patti Guerzo, and I am reaching out to you with a plea that goes beyond words. My husband, Chris Guerzo, and I have faced a tremendous challenge that no amount of preparation could have readied us for. On November 8, 2023, a day that held special significance as the anniversary of our first date 37 years ago, Chris suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. In that moment, our lives were forever altered.

Chris fought through the shadows of unconsciousness, guided by the grace of God and the collective prayers of hundreds. Now, in his third hospital, having endured four weeks in Intensive Care at two different hospitals, Chris is a warrior facing the aftermath. His left arm, once a symbol of strength, lies still, and his voice, stolen by the harsh realities of medical interventions, remains silent.

Yet, amidst the trials, the essence of Chris remains intact. His spirit, undeterred, remembers and connects with loved ones as before. It is his body that craves assistance and healing.

In the embrace of Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Chris has found a glimmer of hope. Remarkable progress has transformed his prognosis from total bedridden dependence to the potential for some independence. However, our insurance has confined us to a mere 30 days at Brooks, while Chris needs 90 days to fully harness the benefits of the rehabilitation equipment available here—his only lifeline to recovery.

The self-pay cost for two additional months at Brooks is a staggering $2,000 per day. I find myself standing at the crossroads of financial strain, having exhausted $12,000 in insurance deductibles and another $12,000 to make our home accessible for Chris. As the sole wage-earner in a family grappling with unexpected circumstances, the burden has become overwhelming.

Chris, a self-employed musician, found himself at the mercy of circumstances beyond his control. The shutdowns of 2020 and 2021, followed by the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2023, silenced the venues where he once shared his musical gift. This three-year struggle rendered him ineligible for Social Security Disability, leaving us without a safety net.

Family, though willing, grapples with their own financial limitations. It is with a heavy heart that I turn to you, our friends, for help. Your generosity can make a life-changing difference for Chris.

All funds raised will go directly to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, covering the essential treatment that stands between Chris and a future of independence. We are not seeking assistance for home modifications or travel costs; our plea is solely for Chris's medical care.

The clock is ticking, and the fear of Chris being forced to leave Brooks before reaching his full potential looms large. Without your support, he may be consigned to a nursing home, separated from the embrace of family, pets, and his cherished music studio. The high-tech treatment at Brooks is his beacon of hope to walk again.

Chris is not just a survivor; he is the best husband, my confidant, and my best friend for 34 years. I am reaching out, vulnerable and hopeful, because I believe in the power of collective compassion. Your generosity will help Chris regain his strength, his voice, and the melody of life.

Thank you for standing by us during this challenging symphony. Your contribution, no matter how small, is a note of hope that resonates in our hearts. Please note that an automatic 15% tip is automatically added to your contribution amount. This amount does NOT benefit Chris. You can adjust this amount - all the way down to zero, before completing your donation. Look for the fine print right above the payment methods.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Patti Guerzo