Help JC with his upcoming surgery.

Despite donating to several friends and even more strangers over the years I've never been a huge fan of Go Fund Me...

Hear me out...I think this site, this idea, is incredibly powerful and can do a TON of good...but EVERYONE has issues. Whether they are personal or family related, internal or external...we as humans, are always in need or know someone in need of a helping hand.

So along those lines I've always thought, "Who is XYZ to determine where my charitable contribution can make the most impact" "Why does Susie deserve my $10 but Timmy doesn't?"

And then Juan Carlos came to me seeking help and it suddenly all made sense. To see what this bright, energetic, incredibly hard-working, and intelligent young man was facing...and how not having the funds to get the surgery he needed was negatively affecting all aspects of his life was my wake-up call.

WHO: Juan Carlos 'JC' Rodriquez

You probably know 'JC' , asaffectionately referred
  to by friends, as the smiling face of Don Tito. Despite having 250+ employees JC made an impression on Scott, The Cordero's and myself from Day 1. His willingness to do WHATEVER is asked of him, and ALWAYS putting customer satisfaction over his own needs are just a couple of the many reasons JC was handpicked to be mentored by my partners and I.

In getting the know Juan Carlos over the past year it became clear that he worked so hard not only for the love of the job (which I truly believe he has) but also because he is singlehandedly supporting his mother and 12 year old sister, Nayelin. Whatever we asked of JC he did...PERIOD...and he always did it with a smile on his face. To balance school, work, a social life, and be the 'Man of the house' at 17 is no small task, but one he did with more resolve and composure than most men twice his age.

WHAT: JC is facing a series of medical issues, complicated by a "botched" surgery that he received as a child in El Salvador.

Medical Problems: Testicular Hernia, Testicular Orchitis, Previous Surgery Repair

Cost: $18,000
Downpayment: $9,000

Hospital: Children's National Medical Center or MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

In 2007, JC had a Testicular Hernia in El Salvador. 3 months ago he went to Children's National Hospital to see a Urologist about the pain he was having in his testicals. At this point they diagnosed JC with a Testicular Hernia...the second of his young life. The price of this surgery was going to be $5,000 so JC and his Mother did their best to come up with the money.

On Tuesday, November 8th 2016 JC rushed to the ER with intense pain. Many test, pills, and needles later they realized that the problem was not just a hernia but also testicular orchitis and that his first surgery was a total failure and needed to be repaired. JC and his family were devastated. (I was there when he left work for the ER...his extended Don Tito family was also devastated).

What does this mean? It means that the surgery will be something much more serious than originally thought and that also the price would rise to $18,000.

WHY: Before I give a little more background on JC I will simply post the last sentence of each email he sent me when discussing the Go Fund Me page...

1) "Boss, I really want to get this surgery done so I can be able to get back on my feet and keep doing what I love the most...working at Don Tito and attending school. Due to this problem I am not able to do this because of how high the pain can get sometimes. After this surgery is taken care of I will get back on the grind and enjoy the Holidays with my family and friends. A massive THANK YOU from the Rodriquez household."

Reflect on that for a moment and try to take yourself back to the age of 17. He simply wants to get better so he can Graduate from HS and get back to work and supporting his family. All I cared about was the beach week, girls, and the gym. His priorities are clearly in place.

2) "My dad is not even an option for help. I came to this country in 2009 and him and I have never shared a father-son moment, nor have I received any help from him. I have become the man of the house...it's a lot of stress for a 17 year old teen but through guidance through my mentors and dedication I am capable of handling anything."

Yes JC, yes you ARE capable of anything! We are here for you my brother. I am very proud of you, how you provide for your mother and sister at such a young age, and am excited to watch you grow into the man that you will be.

This is only a bump on the long and trying road called life. You will emerge from this stronger and be amazed at the support you get along the way.

When: NOW! I am setting the bar incredibly high in hopes that we raise $9,000. JC and his family have raised some of the money and anything that we gain in excess of the 9K downpayment will go towards paying off the remaining balance of the $18,000 total bill.

I am incredibly blessed to be in a position that has the platform to reach enough of you to make raising $9,000 a real possibility.

I encourage each and everyone of you to please share JC's story, send him messages of encouragement, and most importantly donate to his cause if able. No amount is too big or too small.


Juan Carlos truly is living the American Dream. His mother brought him here when he was just a child...10 years old and knew ZERO English. His first month in the US was spent in the Florida Immigration Detention Center. By 8th grade JC was the Valedictorian of his class. (From not knowing the native language to being the smartest kid in school...yea I feel a little worse about myself right now too!) JC is a Senior at Wakefield High School and hopes to attend college after graduating next Spring.

I urge you all, let's bond together and do what we can to help get JC's track back on path!!!

All proceeds will be transfered immediately to JC's mother, Lelin Hernandez and the transfer of funds will be overseen by myself and the Go-FundMe Team.

Thank You,

Jason Fisher & Juan Carlos Rodriquez