Forever Strong for Paulo

Hi, my name is Linda, Paulo's auntie and Susan's best friend. On behalf of Susan and Miguel, this fundraiser was created to assist Paulo with necessary costs incurred, which includes medical bills and assistance with his road to recovery. Here is some insight from Susan on what Paulo and the family has been experiencing.

This fundraiser is for Paulo, a very special, healthy 7 year old boy, who is currently in ICU and has been in and out of 3 different hospitals for the past 3 weeks.

A few weeks ago, Paulo had a fever and wasn't feeling well. While I thought it was a regular cold, I knew something was more intense when he complained about his legs hurting and couldn’t walk. The pain was so unbearable we had to carry him when he needed to use the bathroom. That night, we went to the ER where the doctors ran some tests. The doctors said he had an infection and that the artery near his heart was larger than normal, which was preventing his immune system from fighting the infection off. They were unsure of the root cause, but sent us home with several medications later that evening.

Little did we know, the medication was only a band aid on what is to come.

Paulos fever came back and this time he started to have chest pains and said he couldn't breathe. We returned to the hospital and was immediately sent to the ICU, with the doctor saying his lab results are far worse then they were at the first hospital stay.

Paulo immediately underwent a minor surgery, a bone marrow procedure & has been on 24hr dialysis as his lungs and liver have been rapidly failing, which requires him to use a breathing tube while under sedation for the past two days.

The doctors still do not have a diagnosis or root cause for his symptoms, but think it is most likely a disease called “HLH”.

For some who may not know, Paulo is the founder & leader of the kids bike club named ‘The Mini Flyers’ (@theminiflyers) where kids meet up bi-monthly and enjoy a themed ride in a huge pack with their family & friends throughout the Bay Area which often provides free food and bike giveaways to the youth community.

Paulos interests are Pokémon, anime, biking, martial arts and he LOVES animals. He has the purest heart and always put others before himself.

We are asking for prayers and donations for our baby boy so that we can get through this challenging time.

We received word from the main doctors two days ago (3/14) that we should expect to be staying at UCSF at least for another month.

The donations will help cover medical costs, physical therapy to help get him back walking once he’s eventually discharged, and help with some personal bills since we have not been able to work since Paulo was first admitted to the hospital 3 weeks ago, and will be constantly by his side for another month.

We will be providing updates on this page as soon as we receive further news.

Please keep Paulo “Lil P” Bracho in your prayers!

Thank you for your support!