Help Christian Recover from Medical & Financial Hardship

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

I never imagined I’d be in a position to ask for help, but life has thrown me an overwhelming challenge. On February 17th, I caught a virus that led to over two weeks of fevers exceeding 100°F, chills, and severe dehydration. Despite multiple visits to urgent care centers and two ERs, I was misdiagnosed and sent home with antibiotics and nausea medicine. My condition worsened, leaving me unable to eat and causing me to lose 20 lbs.

After nearly three weeks of suffering, I was finally admitted to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital from March 3rd to March 10th. Doctors ran extensive tests but were unable to identify the virus. During my hospitalization, they discovered my heart was functioning at only 30%. After undergoing two major procedures— a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) and a Cardiac Catheterization— I was relieved to learn I had no new blockages from my heart attack back in 2015. However, I now have to wear a portable defibrillator (LifeVest) for the next 3 to 6 months.

This medical crisis has left me out of work since February 17th. I did not qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and have only been approved for non-FMLA leave without job protection in the state of Texas for only 30 days. I am applying for short-term disability, but even if approved, I will only receive 60% of my income after a 21-day waiting period. Meanwhile, medical bills are piling up— with total hospital charges reaching $108,691.51 and counting, and my out-of-pocket responsibility nearing $10,000 and counting.

To add to this difficult time, the day after I was discharged from the hospital, my grandfather passed away. Coping with this heartbreaking loss while trying to recover physically and financially has been incredibly challenging.

I am humbly asking for any support you can provide to help me cover these expenses and stay afloat during this difficult time. Every dollar will go toward medical bills, follow-up appointments with my cardiologist and infectious disease specialist, and essential living expenses.

This journey has been overwhelming, but I remain positive and determined to recover fully. Any help, whether through donations or simply sharing my story, means the world to me. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

With gratitude,

Christian Valencia

"Sometimes the answers don’t come, but the strength to keep going does. Healing isn’t just about knowing what happened—it’s about believing in your ability to move forward, even when the road is uncertain."