Please help us raise funds to help our beloved friend Fernando Silva and his family.  Fernando is a veteran and a father to 3 children.  He survives his late wife and eldest Son; both having passed in the last year.  He was suddenly afflicted and diagnosed with meningitis in late June.  He has been fighting for his life every single day.  Fernando has received brain surgery to remove deteriorated bone caused by the ear infection, which led to the severe Meningitis Infection.  He has also received 2 lumbar punctions to relieve the pressure on his brain from the excess spinal fluid and infection.  He is finally off of the ventilator and sedation, where now begins his long road to recovery and rehabilitation.  He will be staying at the hospital for extended care and to be monitored closely to ensure that all of the bacteria is gone from his brain.  Doctors and therapists will help Fernando to learn how to perform crucial functions such as walking, talking, and self-care.  This process will take over six months to work through.  He has already withstood the odds and is working so hard to be strong and brave for his family.  I am asking for help to ease the weight his family carries in their time of need.  Any funds raised will help the Silva family with medical bills, groceries, future copays and transport costs for his substantial rehabilitation plan.  Once he is released home, his care will involve trips to various therapies many times a week.  Fernando's family and friend are devoting every ounce of energy, prayer and hope, to supporting him through this remarkably rare and challenging diagnosis and recovery process.  I am so thankful for any help you can give to this extraordinary family and our dear friend Fernando in their time of need.