Help Milton Heal — Our Humbling Journey Back to Health & Hope

After 35 long days in the hospital and a major lung surgery, our beloved Milton “Leo” “Papa Taco,” “Tio Milton,” — is finally home. But this is not the end of the road… it’s just the beginning.

Leo has now been out of work for 7 weeks, and his recovery will require another 10–14 weeks, possibly longer. His lungs are still fragile, and he’ll need ongoing medical care, follow-ups, and treatments for the unforeseen future.

As his wife, I’ve also had to step away from work to be his full-time caregiver, helping him through pain management, wound care, medications, breathing treatments, and rebuilding his strength day by day.

We could never have predicted or prepared for something this devastating. We’ve held on with faith, but the financial reality is overwhelming. With two incomes lost, mounting medical bills, travel costs to and from UCLA, and the everyday expenses that don’t stop even when life does.

We’re reaching out to our tribe, our family, our friends, our community. Because we can’t do this alone.

This is the hardest and most humbling thing we’ve ever had to ask for.

Your donations, prayers, and shares will help us cover:

Basic living expenses while we’re both unable to work

Medical bills and future treatments still to come

Transportation and parking costs for countless UCLA visits

Recovery supplies and home care needs as Leo continues to heal

We don’t know what the future looks like yet, but we know love, faith, and community will carry us through. Every bit of support, every prayer, every dollar, every share helps us breathe a little easier during this storm.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this uncertain time.

With gratitude, hope, and love.

Shannon & Milton