Luz Guerra is my mother, my best friend, and the heart of our family. For over two decades, she has shown incredible resilience—surviving two open heart surgeries and five strokes, always returning to her active, loving self. Ten years have passed since her last stroke, and she has been thriving, full of vitality and joy, until just three weeks ago when everything changed. Luz began experiencing high fevers, fatigue, and overwhelming sleepiness. She was immediately taken to the hospital in Colombia, where she was visiting family to celebrate her mother’s 80th birthday. What started as a sudden illness quickly became a life-threatening crisis. After ten days of uncertainty, doctors discovered a severe infection in her blood that attacked her lungs. She was intubated due to pneumonia, and only after identifying the bacteria could they start her on a stronger antibiotic. Luz fought bravely, and after a week, she was able to breathe on her own again. But the infection had already compromised her mechanical heart valve. This week, we received the devastating news: she needs a third open heart surgery to replace the valve and remove the infected area before it spreads further.

Luz lives in the United States, but all of this has happened while she is far from home. The costs of surgery, medical care, medications, therapy, hospital necessities, food, and changes to her flight home are overwhelming. Our family is doing everything we can, but we need help. We are reaching out with heavy hearts and deep hope. My mother, Luz, has always been the one who gives—her love, her strength, her kindness—to everyone around her. Now she is fighting for her life, and we are asking for your support. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us cover the life-saving care she needs and bring her home safely. If you are unable to donate, please share her story and keep her in your prayers. Your kindness, love, and support mean more than words can express. Thank you for standing with us during the hardest moment of our lives.