Help Eric on his journey to overcome a brain tumor

Hi, my name is Ashley Huizar and I am fundraising for my nephew Eric Salazar who is 26 years old. Eric lives with his girlfriend Evelyn and they are parents to their 1-year-old Boston Frenchie mix puppy named, Ozzie. On Thursday, January 19th, Eric suffered from multiple unexpected grand mal seizures and was rushed to Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park. Once he arrived at the Emergency Department, Eric was quickly intubated because he was no longer able to maintain his own airway. During intubation, Eric experienced a brief episode of cardiac arrest, in which staff were able to regain a pulse minutes later. After he was stabilized, he went for a CT scan of his brain which showed a 4cm right frontal lobe brain mass. Eric was transferred to Loyola hospital and admitted to the Neuro ICU on a ventilator. At Loyola, he had a 2hr MRI of his brain which confirmed the brain tumor.

Our family has been in a state of shock and overwhelming sadness since hearing this news and witnessing what Eric has endured thus far. However, on Saturday January 22nd the doctors turned off Eric's sedation while he was on the ventilator and we experienced him showing signs he was completely neurologically intact. We all cried in synchrony with tears of joy and hope. Later that day, he was extubated and we were able to hear his voice again!

Eric's mother, Jenny, had to tell her son news that no mother should ever have to tell their child. Not only Eric, but our entire family have been mentally and emotionally preparing for this surgery that will occur this week to remove the tumor. We don't know yet if this tumor is malignant or nonmalignant until the pathology report results. We are praying for a safe surgery and quick recovery, however, we are prepared that Eric may have a long road ahead of him. He was just in the process of getting medical insurance before this medical emergency occurred. Not only that, Eric has his CDL and is a cement truck driver. Because of his seizures, he is not able to work or operate a truck for at least 6 months after a seizure due to Illinois rules. This has put a huge financial strain on Eric and his girlfriend. We are asking for your help to support Eric with paying for the medical bills that he is left with after having brain surgery. Lastly, please keep sending prayers and positive vibes. We love you Eric!