Family in need after many surgeries & job loss

Hi all! Rachel here…

Anyone who knows my brother Anthony knows that he is a devoted Christian man, that would do anything for his family and give you shirt off of his back. He served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps and has gone through a lot over the last few years. His journey just became even more difficult this last week when he received news that he had developed an infection in his left hip where he had his most recent hip replacement surgery. Yes, this last year Anthony has had to go through double hip replacement surgery at the age of 31. Anthony was actually cleared to go back to work last week and was looking forward to perhaps moving to a more normal life. Unfortunately, Anthony started developing extreme pain in his left hip two weeks ago and a diagnosis of the infection made it necessary for Anthony to now undergo a 2-step revision surgery. This meant surgery this past Thursday to clean up the infection, removing the implant, inserting a new temporary implant that will release antibiotics into his muscles, and now waiting for the next surgery to remove the temporary implant and inserting a new permanent implant. Adding to an already difficult and stressful situation, Anthony's employer contacted him the day before this most recent surgery to inform him that they were laying him off so he is now unemployed. We cannot even imagine what Anthony and Raquel are going through right now, but it is definitely overwhelming.  

Anthony's health journey began in January 2021 when he came down with a serious case of Covid, in fact so serious that he was hospitalized and was extremely close to going on a ventilator. Anthony was eventually sent home with oxygen and a variety of meds to help him get back to health. A few months later, Anthony and Raquel welcomed their first child, a beautiful little girl. Within a few months of their daughter being born, Anthony experienced what he thought to be a possible injury to his back when he was getting out of his vehicle while at work. After almost a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, nothing was improving his situation. At this point Anthony was living with extreme, constant, debilitating pain and could barely walk. He and Raquel decided to get another opinion and it was then that they discovered that the supposed back injury was actually avascular necrosis (AN) which is osteonecrosis of the hips, a bone condition that causes death of the bone. The cause of AN was due to heavy medical steroid use during his hospitalization from Covid. Once a correct diagnosis was made, Anthony was informed that the disease had progressed to the death of the hip joints. The only treatment available at this point was double hip replacement surgery. This was a difficult diagnosis for Anthony and Raquel to deal with, but they also knew that this was the only option they had. Anthony had his first surgery shortly after this diagnosis and the right hip was replaced as it was considered to be in the worst condition. After many months of allowing the right hip to heal, Anthony underwent another surgery to replace his left hip. Again, Anthony went through months of healing and finally arrived at a point where his doctor was comfortable with Anthony returning to work, but on a part time basis only. Anthony was elated to return to work this past week, although he has been working remotely as much as possible through all of this. With the diagnosis of the infection, the hope prior to undergoing this surgery was that the infection could be cleaned out and Anthony could move forward. Unfortunately, once the surgeon opened up the hip, it was discovered that the infection was severe which determined the 2-stage revision surgery. Anthony faces another 6 to 12 weeks of recovery, antibiotic treatments via his temporary implant, and waiting for the next surgery to remove the temporary implant and insert a new permanent implant which will mean additional months of recovery. Anthony and Raquel have tried to stay strong through all of this, but as you can imagine this has been a very long road as they continue to hope for Anthony's successful healing. Now with the loss of his job, the future continues to be difficult, but they also know it isn't impossible. As difficult as these last two years have been, Anthony and Raquel believe that ultimately God has a plan for their life and for their family, they pray for healing for Anthony, and pray for strength as a couple as they traverse the days and months ahead.

As you can imagine, the medical bills have taken a toll on this family and the unknown expenses that are still to come. Due to the loss of Anthony’s job, they are now without insurance. As of right now, Raquel is currently unable to get a job as she is Anthony’s full time caregiver and also chasing a toddler around. Our hope is to raise funds to help relieve Anthony and Raquel of the extreme financial burdens that are surrounding them so that they can focus on Anthony's healing and recovery. Please feel free to share this with your family and friends. Thank you for your support from our whole family! Any help will be greatly appreciated!