Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you may or may not know, our mom, Elena Velez, recently underwent emergency brain surgery due to a colloid cyst in the third ventricle of her brain. While these cysts are benign, they can lead to severe hydrocephalus, causing symptoms like brain fog, nausea, dizziness, and headaches, which are potentially fatal if untreated.

In September 2024, my brother and I rushed to the Bay Area to be with her at Redwood Hospital during her surgery. A shunt was placed to divert fluid from her brain to her abdomen, providing immediate relief from her debilitating symptoms.

Unfortunately, two months later, the symptoms returned. We decided the best course was to attempt cyst removal, despite the risks of permanent memory alteration and the risks that come with something as serious as brain surgery.

Elena, a resilient single mother, supports herself as a medical interpreter, a demanding job requiring sharp cognitive skills. However, her modest financial situation does not account for unexpected emergency medical expenses or income loss due to recovery time.

On December 3rd, she had another operation on her brain in Colombia, where she received more advanced treatment. The procedure successfully removed the entire cyst and the shunt that was installed in California. However her journey to recovery and financial stability continues.

We humbly ask for your support to aid her recovery. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and living expenses during this difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Sincerely,

Marcelo and Federico Gutierrez