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Friends For Manuel Gracia's Health Fund

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My dear friend Manuel Gracia is going through a very difficult time after almost dying.  With the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the inability to run his business and consequent loss of income, the daily stress of looking for any work in the gig economy, and the worry of been unable to provide for his family all have taken a toll on his health.

My name is Hugo Teran, Manuel has been my friend for over 25 years, and I have started this fund raiser on his behalf to invite all his friends, family and anyone with a compassionate heart to contribute what they can for a guy we all love.  We all need someone to lean on from time to time, this is Manuel's story.

Manuel had a major health emergency last week on November 9, he had a significant blockage in his aorta artery.   Had the aorta artery burst he would be dead now, fortunately he was home where his wife and daughter were able to get him help urgently.  He was admitted to Keck Medical Center of USC in Los Angeles where he had emergency surgery.  Diagnosed with Acute Type B Aortic Dissection he went into surgery to have a stent put in his aorta from his heart down to his groin area. Manuel's surgery went well and since last weekend (Nov. 13) he has been home beginning his rehabilitation process which will take at least two months.  Currently his goal is to deal with the pain and weakness in his legs, he now relies on a walker.  This will require many hours of therapy which will be difficult without adequate insurance.

Manuel is a dedicated, caring, and gregarious man who has always taken care of his wife Pilar, his daughter Natalie, who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 12, and his mother Delfina by going out every day and working long and hard. 
With the Pandemic shutdown of the economy his business was immediately impacted taking away a lion's share of the family income.  Loosing the means to continue providing for his family was intolerable for him . 
Never one to give up he has since April gone out risking his life, trying to look for work in the gig economy.  Determination, a strong work ethic, loyalty and love of life and family is what drives him.   However, the cumulative stress prove to be insurmountable for him and caused his hyper tension to go up and almost kill him from a blood clot.
As a business owner Manuel has worked with the elderly residents of long term care facilities throughout the Orange County area, providing activities and recreation for them. 
He has a natural way of making these seniors laugh, sing and express their joy.  When he is with them, his gregarious personality and his genuine concern for these elderly folks brings them a ray of sunshine in their normally boring existence in these facilities.  In some cases he is the only visitor looking in on them.  
As a friend he has always been there for me when I needed his help.  He's the kind of friend that will go out of his way for others.  He is a self-reliant man who doesn't look for pity but this time he needs a helping hand, and even though he might not be comfortable with me doing this, here it goes.
S.O.S.  PLEASE DONATE TO FRIENDS FOR MANUEL GRACIA HEALTH FUND

Manuel's lost income and his prolonged recovery has put the Gracia family in financial dire straits, very soon as they continue to deplete their savings and assets they'll be out of options.  Bearing in mind that the current economic impact is driving the ranks of homelessness up in our nation.  Medical Bankruptcy will become a reality for them, I can't stand by and see that happen to my friend, he has a lot to live for, he just needs a bridge to get through these rough waters. 
In times like these we are all under some sort of financial duress, or at least feeling a bit insecure, but it is times like these that make one's compassionate charity more significant, please donate from the heart.  Please Help my best friend Manuel Gracia.
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Donations 

  • Linda Robb
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Mark Geyer
    • $300
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 4 yrs
  • yhormith roberts
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Hugo Teran
Organizer
Westminster, CA
Pilar Cardenas Gracia
Beneficiary

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