Help Gloria's Family Through Gene's Health Battle

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out today and ask for some help for my dear friend Gloria Izaguirre and her family. Unfortunately, her fiancé, Gene Cook, is at a critical place with his health and his family is now facing financial issues as well. Gloria and Gene have 4 children, ages 3, 4, 10 and 19 years old. The goal amount of this is just there because a number had to be entered. Any donation is appreciated.

In July 2024, Gene’s health started declining. He started to experience intense joint and eye-pain that became worse over the months. His pain had intensified so much that he was unable to see, unable to drive, unable to work, and unable to play with his kids. He has seen numerous doctors, numerous specialists, had multiple hospital trips and no one could properly diagnose him.

On October 22 2024, Gene became violently ill. He was in intense pain, vomiting blood, and very weak. He was taken to an Atlanticare Hospital and got admitted that day. That same day, he was moved to the ICU. He was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Vasculitis, with no prior history of autoimmune diseases. Vasculitis can be fatal if left untreated or if the symptoms are severe enough to affect blood flow to organs.

At Atlanticare Hospital his condition worsened even more. He was put in a medically induced coma, his lungs were collapsing, and he could no longer breathe on his own. They found multiple blood clots throughout his arms and body. On October 23 2024, he was airlifted to Temple Hospital and placed on ECMO, which is a life-support device that temporarily replaced the functions of the heart and lungs when a patient’s organs are too sick or weak to work on their own.

As of today November 5 2024, he was diagnosed with a Pulmonary Hemorrhage and his kidneys are beginning to fail. Gene has not worked full time since he got sick in July. Gloria has been out of work taking care of her fiancé and children. The financial stress is such a burden, we are hoping to take this burden off of her.

Any contribution is greatly appreciated. We will continue to pray for Gene’s recovery.