FishermanRene's StrokeRecovery Fund
So many of you have reached out asking how you can help this wonderful, self-sacrificing man -- alongside your prayers. An avid fisherman, devoted family man, and father-figure to so many… Renato Bullicer is a strong, stubborn man with incredible faith, and wonderful family and friends to help him recover. 
It all started May 1st when he was experiencing chest pains that quickly escalated into a heart attack. Immediately upon arriving to the ER, he was hauled off to surgery where a cardiac stent was inserted to stabilize him. On June 16th, a non-invasive heart surgery discovered more blockages and it was decided that open heart surgery was the only option.
On July 10th, the open heart surgery was a success (having found the need for five bypasses!). By July 17th, Rene showed progress and was sent home to continue his recovery. He was determined to get back on his feet and back to what he loved: his family and friends, his dog, and fishing.
…However, his recovery at home took an abrupt turn.
On July 25th, just two weeks after his open heart surgery, Rene experienced a massive stroke. Due to the complex situation (A-Fib before getting discharged and the inability to give A-Fib medication due to the recent open heart surgery), he was transported by ambulance to a prestigious hospital 40 miles away. There, he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure in his brain.
On August 8th, after a two week induced-coma, his wife Conchita happily recounts, "My sleeping prince opened his eyes for my birthday!".
Although, he is now awake and able to perform simple commands (i.e. blinking yes or no, giving a thumbs up, and ardently mouthing “I-Love-You” to his wife), Rene’s road ahead is long and very expensive.
Future surgeries during his recovery include: surgery to return the part of the skull that was taken off (to relieve pressure); and decannulation (reversal of tracheostomy).
Donations will help with medical bills and any financial hardships the family may face (e.g. in-patient acute rehab, initial 24/7 home care, rehabilitative therapies, home-based programs, handicap accessible equipment, and etc.) while Rene Bullicer makes strides towards a speedy and full recovery. With the help of this GoFundMe campaign*, Rene and his family can fully focus on him getting healthy and strong through rehabilitation.
(Below: Rene and his four-legged princess Evey)
(Below: Rene and his family at Relay for Life)
(Below: Rene right after brain surgery)
*According to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, the lifetime cost of ischemic stroke has been estimated at $140,048.
The family is exploring every available resource for financial assistance and deeply appreciates donations of any size-- big or small.
Alternative methods for donations (to bypass GoFundMe fees) include:
- Venmo (preferred): @FishermanRene
- P.O. Box (pending! Please check back soon)
