Hi, My name is Debby Gagnier and I started this fundraiser for Franco Sala, in order to help provide some financial relief for Franco, his girlfriend of eleven years, Kim, and their two beautiful daughters, Berlyn (10) and McKenna (4).

Franco began suffering seizures at the age of 16. Over the past 8 years, his seizures have progressively increased in both frequency and severity, and have reached a life-threatening stage. Franco has been unable to work for the past year-and-a-half. While still technically employed as a NYS Correctional Officer, he has been off payroll for seven months. Due to a technicality, he does not qualify for disability income, and they have had only the generosity of family to rely on financially. This is not sustainable, as Franco’s journey is far from over.

Recently admitted to Upstate Medical in Syracuse, NY, Franco spent nearly a month as they tried to locate the source(s) of the seizure activity, with minimal results. Two weeks ago, he was re-admitted to Upstate for a much more invasive procedure, in which his neurosurgeon drilled 15 holes in Franco’s skull with the hope of finally securing some answers. This procedure was indeed much more successful, and they identified several areas—more than they had anticipated—to be the cause of the seizure activity. Franco came home two days ago, and suffers true debilitating pain, with minimal to no relief from heavy pain medication. His healing will take several weeks, upon which time he will then undergo additional brain surgery to try and then control the life-threatening seizures. It will be months or years before they can determine what his quality of life will be moving forward.

I cannot even begin to describe the sadness in watching a family member go through this type of physical and emotional pain. Depression has most certainly set in, his young daughters live with the daily fear that every time daddy has a seizure, this may be the one he doesn’t come out of. It is truly heartbreaking.

While Franco’s health insurance currently covers nearly all medical expenses, the family has absolutely no income with which to pay their mortgage, auto, food and every other daily living expense. Relieving some of the burden of the financial worries will go far. Franco currently requires 24 hour care at home, and that will last far beyond his next surgery.

Any amount you can consider donating is truly a blessing to this family. All contributions will be used at the discretion of Franco and Kim. If you cannot contribute financially, please lift Franco, Kim, Berlyn and McKenna up in your daily prayers, asking God for healing and relief from the pain.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! ♥️

~The families of Franco and Kim