Chico Chacurian's Memorial Fund

Efrain "Chico" Chacurian, U.S. and International Soccer Hall of Fame coach and player, has been diagnosed with kidney cancer and Alzheimer's disease at age 93 with a prognosis of 6-9 months to live.  Because he can walk, shower and use a bathroom, he cannot stay in a hospital and must go to a private nursing facility - not covered by health insurance/Medicare, and which costs $300 per day (actually a low rate).

The purpose of this effort is to provide funding for Chico’s palliative care during this period so that his wife Florence does not have to sell the house and/or declare bankruptcy.  Medicare or Connecticut will not assume these costs. The family (Florence and Chico’s three daughters) has retained an elder care lawyer and exhausted every avenue possible to find an alternative route, but they are now in a position which calls for external help.  

If those who have fond memories of Chico’s (or his family’s) impact on their lives donate to this fund with an affordable amount and then check back periodically to see how things are going and whether another donation may be called for, bankruptcy and the sale of Chico and Florence’s home can be avoided (the objective here).  Donations are not tax-deductible, but Chico and Florence will not have to declare them as income, either.  Donations of less than $14,000 from a married couple in a calendar year will not trigger any donor gift tax.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this effort at whatever level may be comfortable for you.