Financial help for debts and dental needs and housing !

Hello, my name is Francisco Rivera. I'm a U.S. veteran reaching out with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. Over the past several years, my wife and I have faced a series of overwhelming medical and financial hardships that have left us struggling to stay afloat.

It began with a severe back injury I suffered due to an improper chiropractic adjustment. This led to a spinal fusion surgery, involving metal rods and screws, as well as an additional procedure to relieve a pinched nerve. After months of recovery, I returned to work driving a dump truck, only to reinjure my lower back due to the vehicle’s poor suspension.

Not long after that, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I had to take care of her for over a year. Between my injuries and her illness, we were unable to work—and we lost our entire life savings.

Recently, I was hospitalized with heart failure that required heart valve replacement surgery. I couldn't proceed until I took care of urgent dental issues that were required before they'd allow my heart surgery. This was an unexpected barrier, and without insurance, I couldn't get the care required.

UPDATE: Both my expensive emergency dental care and the heart surgery have occurred! THANK YOU! However, I had several issues that resulted in three 911 calls and three ambulance rides to the hospital, where I had to stay a few days for two of them. At one point due to a heart blockage, I became ill, passed out, and fell, required 8-10 shocks of a defibrillator (I almost died). Received a pacemaker. Now I'm finally back home and, so far, recovering well. Here is my photo from one of my hospital visits.

But my journey is far from over.

Beyond the emergency dental care I had to have before the surgery, I still am in desperate need of other dental work and my wife also has serious dental needs that we cannot afford to address. I feel so bad because we had to focus on my needs while she suffered.

To make things even harder, we’re dealing with a difficult housing situation. Our landlords continue raising the rent and recently charged us a new deposit—even though we already paid one when we moved in six years ago. They’ve also refused to fix major leaks, and we now suspect mold issues, which will require a professional inspection. We may also need legal help to address the situation.

What We’re Raising Funds For:

Your support would help give us peace of mind, allow my bride and I to get the dental care we need as she continues to recover from cancer and I from my health issues, and help us take steps toward financial recovery and secure housing. We’re not asking for luxury—just for a chance to breathe again.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and prayers. Your kindness means more than words can say.

God bless you all.

—Francisco Rivera