Help Our Dad, Rafael, Recover After Two Brain Surgeries

Hi, my name is Stacy, and I’m fundraising for my dad, Rafael.

Our dad has always been our rock — a hardworking, loving father of four daughters who has supported our family through everything life has thrown our way. More than twenty years ago, my parents faced the unimaginable loss of their first child at just 9 years old. Through that heartbreak, my dad stayed strong for all of us. He’s always been the one to encourage, protect, and care for everyone else — and now, it’s our turn to take care of him.

On September 15th, our dad was taken to the hospital after we noticed he was losing his memory and cognitive skills. Just two days later, on September 17th, he underwent a craniotomy to remove a brain hematoma. After surgery, we were filled with hope — he was awake, talking, and even walking around.

But only a few days later, his brain began to swell, and he started to decline during his neurological checks. Doctors rushed him into another emergency surgery that Saturday to remove part of his skull and relieve the swelling.

It’s been several weeks since that second surgery, and my dad is still in the hospital, fighting and recovering slowly. He now has a tracheostomy and a G-tube and is only able to move his left side. Despite everything, he’s awake, aware, and continuing to fight with the quiet strength that has always defined him.

Our family is doing everything we can to stay strong for him, but the financial strain has been overwhelming — from medical bills to time away from work to the cost of long-term rehabilitation and specialized care. Unfortunately, my dad doesn’t qualify for government assistance, which leaves us with a lot to manage on our own.

We’re determined to bring him home safely and make sure he gets the care, equipment, and rehabilitation he deserves.

I’ll be honest — asking for help doesn’t come easy for us. But right now, we could really use your support — whether it’s through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this page. Every bit of kindness helps us focus on what matters most: helping our dad heal and regain his strength.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of Rafael’s journey to recovery.

Even sharing means more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

The Rodriguez Family