Help My Dad Recover: Support his ongoing treatment

Hi everyone, I'm Diego and I’m helping my wife share her story as we try to raise support for my father-in-law. Please, see below our story:

Hi everyone, my name is Urania, and I’m reaching out to ask for your help in my father’s recovery.

On September 28, 2024, my dad, Miyenko Alquinta, suffered a severe stroke in Iquique, Chile. He spent a month in the hospital, followed by two more months of home-based medical care. The stroke left him without mobility on his right side—he struggles to speak clearly and cannot move his right arm and leg.

When this happened, we didn’t even know if he was going to survive. As soon as I got the news, I left everything behind and flew from Australia to Chile. I made the difficult decision to leave my job as a nurse and put my dream of growing professionally in Australia on hold, all to be by his side and care for him full-time. The emergency trip alone cost $3,000 AUD, but at that moment, the only thing that mattered was being there for him.

Against all odds, my dad has made incredible progress. Today, thanks to intensive work with a multidisciplinary team, he is able to walk slowly with a stick and communicate more clearly. But this journey hasn’t been just physical. He often asks, “Why am I still here?” and wonders what his purpose is now. His determination to recover is driven not only by his own will, but by his desire to support our family again one day.

The financial burden of his recovery has been overwhelming. In the first three months, medical treatments and medications cost approximately $2,000,000 CLP per month (around $3,400 AUD). While expenses have decreased, we are still spending about $900,000 CLP per month (≈ $1,530 AUD).

As a nurse, I’ve been managing his care alongside a wonderful team of professionals. So far, we’ve spent about $17,790 AUD on his treatment. Sadly, all my savings have been used, and I am no longer able to cover the cost of his care on my own. That’s what led me to make the difficult decision to start this GoFundMe campaign.

To continue his rehabilitation for the next six months, we need to raise $9,180 AUD. These funds will go toward physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other essential treatments and supplies for his care. Having these next six months covered would also give me the time I need to rebuild my savings and plan ahead—rather than constantly trying to keep up with expenses as they come

We’ve never asked for help before, but today I’m reaching out to our friends, family, and community. Any contribution—no matter how small—will make a meaningful difference in my dad’s recovery and quality of life.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and support.

With love and gratitude,

Urania & Family