Above is a photo of Rodrigo, Dora Gomes' 60-year-old brother. He is currently in an ICU in Ormoc City, on the island of Leyte, which is in the Philippines.

He had been dealing with months of significant weight loss and back/kidney pain but was hesitant to go to the hospital due to the cost he knew he would incur. His family finally convinced him to go to the emergency room on February 26, 2022. They found out he had had a significant heart attack as well as very low blood pressure. His heart stopped once in the hospital, and the doctors resuscitated him after nine doses of epinephrine. Currently, his potassium is low, and he has since been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, stage 4 kidney disease, and significant heart failure. They are not sure how significant the heart failure is since they are unable to do an ultrasound until they stabilize his blood pressure.

Funds are needed to help Dora and her family pay for medications. The medications must first be purchased by the family, before the hospital will even administer them to Rodrigo. Additionally, the family is responsible for covering the hospital costs, which continue to mount every day in the ICU. In the Philippines, you can not be admitted to the hospital until you make a $250 (US dollars) down payment, a massive barrier for most people on the island. They also won't discharge you until you can pay the hospital bill, which means you almost become a hostage if you are unable to pay. Dora has already sent $5000 to cover medication and hospital costs for the first two days of Rodrigo's care.

Dora and her family would greatly appreciate any kindness and generosity you could share with them at this time. They especially covet your prayers as they pray for complete healing for Rodrigo.

On behalf of the family, many thanks for your time and consideration.