Alejandra Mones and Luis Salzar (AKA Alex and Luis) have been married for 32 years. They raised two wonderful daughters and currently share their Ocean Acres home with Lucas, a friendly German Shepherd, and Daisy, a golden retriever.

Many in the area were introduced to Alex and Louie at El Tepeyac, the Mexican restaurant they owned and operated in Manahawkin until 2022. Their warm and outgoing personalities transformed customers into friends. Luis makes the best salsa! Alex's greets everyone with a big smile followed with a sincere "How are you?'

Luis is a trained chef and an LA Dodgers fan. He has a warm smile and is a great conversationalist. Alex is a loving wife and mother and an a wise businesswoman. She is full of energy and wears many hats to suit her many talents. No grass grows under her tiny feet!

Last April, Alex's big brother Roberto traveled from Mexico to visit. During his stay he was diagnosed with leukemia. She was working full time and traveling to the hospital and rehab in Neptune to oversee his care. When his body stopped responding to treatment, the doctor recommended hospice. Alex was devastated! Roberto desperately wanted to return home. On October 26th, she hugged her big brother goodbye for the last time. He passed away on Thanksgiving. Alex and Luis traveled to Mexico for the funeral and an extended stay with family.

Fortunately, she decided to cut their trip short. They arrived home on December 3rd.

The following day Luis was unable to breathe. She rushed him to the ER. Doctor T. told the gathering of family and friends that he was intubated and his condition was grave. He had sepsis and his lungs were filled with fluid.

By the grace of God, and excellent medical care, he started to recover.

The breathing tube was removed and he was talking and smiling again!

Additional tests diagnosed him with congestive heart failure. He was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for triple bypass surgery.

After a successful surgery, he was moved from CCU to a step down unit.

A few days later he suffered two strokes.

His hearing is intact. He can blink and nod answers to yes and no questions. He has some movement in his left hand and arm.

Last week they removed the breathing tube and performed a tracheotomy. He is breathing on his own with supplemental oxygen as needed. He will receive additional physical therapy once the trach is removed.

Alex has been by her husband's side every day, first at Southern and currently at Jersey Shore. She spends 8-11 hours praying with him, stroking his hand, moving his legs, talking to him, suctioning saliva, and wiping his tears.and consulting with his doctors and nurses.

At the end of visiting hours, she makes the return trip home, rests a little, and visits with her pups before she says her bedtime prayers.

On Sunday Alex attends Mass at St. Mary's (Pines and Barnegat) before she goes to the hospital. She is grateful that her niece has free time during the work week to travel with her and keep her company at home.

Alex speaks often of Father Ken at St. Mary's. She loves his sermons and takes comfort in his counsel.

Alex, Luis, and their daughters Lupe and Leslie know the power of prayer. Alex asks everyone to pray for her husband and the people who care for him.

This life-changing event is full of unknowns. Stroke recovery doesn't come with a timeline.

Alex can't return to work until Luis is stable and a long-term care plan is in place. She gave me permission to start a GoFundMe campaign to cover household and travel expenses for a few months.

The goal of this campaign is to cover 4 months of expenses (December through March) plus May's property tax bill.

Donation of 'points' for a hotel stay near the hospital once a week would be helpful while he is in JSES.

If Alex and Luis have ever helped you, encouraged you, or simply made your day a little brighter, or if you just want to help a member of our community, please consider a donation along with your prayers.

If you know the family and would prefer to make a direct donation, please contact their daughter Lupe.

Thank you,

Lynn Brancato