My name is John Carrero Jr., and writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

I never imagined I would be in a position where I am still alive, yet having to plan my own funeral at 41 years old. But this is the reality my family and I are facing.

I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. From a young age, I was told I wouldn’t be able to live independently due to my cognitive disability. I proved those odds wrong. I graduated high school, lived on my own, built a life around music, and stayed deeply involved in my community. Most importantly, I found love, became a husband, and a father. Which has always been a dream of mine.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), a serious condition that leaves my immune system unable to protect me. Since then, my health has steadily declined. After my wedding in 2023, I developed pneumonia that turned into sepsis. I was placed in a coma in the ICU and nearly lost my life. That experience changed me forever.

Since then, I have been hospitalized multiple times, placed into comas twice, and diagnosed with a rare liver disease similar to cirrhosis (NRH), along with a life-threatening fungal infection in my lungs. I am currently on long-term medication that will last close to a year, with no guarantees. I’ve lost significant weight, strength, and the ability to work and provide the way I once did.

What hurts the most is knowing my wife, Anna, and our children—especially our daughter Amoura, who has health complications of her own—could be left with funeral and burial expenses during an already unbearable time.

So with a heavy heart, I am asking for help.

This GoFundMe is to assist with funeral and burial expenses, so my family is not left with this burden. Any extra funds will go towards my wife and children.

Having to prepare for death while still fighting to live is something no one should experience. But when my time comes, I want peace knowing my family won’t have to struggle financially while grieving.

If you are able to donate, share, or even say a prayer, please know it means more than words can express. Your kindness helps me give my family security, dignity, and love during the most difficult chapter of our lives.

Thank you for reading my story and for standing with us.

With gratitude and love,

John Carrero Jr.