Help Luis & Rosa's Family Through Medical Hardship

Hello,

Our names are Crystal, Denise, and Elly. We are fundraising for our friend and coworker Rosa Vasquez. Rosa’s husband has a serious heart condition; a type B aortic dissection. This was discovered after a medical emergency on April 19, 2024. We are asking everyone to help this family while they go through this very difficult medical leave.

Luis and Rosa have a son Luis who is eleven years old. Luis Sr. was repairing his outdoor staircase when he felt ill. He went inside and told his son to call 911, and then his mother Rosa, at work. He was taken by ambulance to Carney Hospital, then Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, and then Tufts Medical Center, where they saved his life! Luis was in cardiac ICUs for 16 days. He is at home now resting and gaining strength before surgery scheduled for July 3, 2024. Rosa is his only caretaker. Neither can work at this time. We are fundraising to help them with medical bills, and monthly bills as they deal with Luis’s recovery.

Luis and Rosa each immigrated from El Salvador, to become United States citizens. They worked hard in the restaurant industry to earn their way. Luis volunteered and served in the U.S. Army for eight years. Rosa met Luis many years ago working at a restaurant in Dorchester. They both have continued to work in restaurants, Luis in Boston, Rosa in Hingham.

Please consider donating any amount that you can spare. It is gratefully appreciated. Thank you on behalf of the Vasquez family.

A note a from Rosa:

The Call That Changed Everything

For the past two months, our family's life has been turned upside down due to an unexpected and tragic event. On April 19th, while I was at work, I received one of the scariest calls of my life. My 10-year-old son called and said, “Mom, come home, dad is having a heart attack.” At first, I thought he was joking, but he insisted, “Mom, no, I’m not messing around. He can’t breathe.” Panicked, I told my supervisor I had an emergency and rushed home.

When I arrived, an ambulance was taking my husband to the hospital. I was in shock and terrified, but my brave son stayed by my side. Our neighbor kindly took care of my son while I followed the ambulance to the ER. Imagining my husband in that much pain and being unable to help him was heart-wrenching.

The Diagnosis

Initially, the doctors said it wasn’t a heart attack. After many tests, they discovered he had a Type B aortic dissection, with the tear extending past his kidneys. Unfortunately, Carney

Hospital wasn’t equipped to handle his condition, and his situation was worsening by the minute. He was given two doses of morphine, but the pain persisted. Finally, the ER doctor decided to transfer him to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Feeling lost without my husband, who always took care of us, I pulled myself together and managed to get to St. Elizabeth’s. There, the doctors said he needed surgery to fix his aorta, but his blood pressure was too high. They transferred him to Tufts Medical Center, where he was immediately taken to the ICU as his health deteriorated. It was agonizing to see my hardworking husband, now sedated and unable to move.

At Tufts, doctors emphasized that they couldn’t perform the surgery until his blood pressure was under control. Every day, I spent hours at the hospital while my son, who wasn’t allowed to see his father, kept asking, “Mom, when is dad coming home?” I reassured him that everything would be fine, even though I was breaking inside.

Miraculously, with the power of prayer and immense support, my husband began to recover. However, it’s still a long journey ahead. His blood pressure must remain stable to avoid life threatening complications. The last doctor warned us that he’s “standing on eggshells” to prevent an aneurysm.

Looking Ahead

Every day, I thank GOD that he’s still with us. We’re now waiting for his surgery scheduled on July 3rd. It’s a long road ahead, but with love and patience, we’ll get through this together.

I am reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your support. My husband is not just my partner but also, a loving father, a talented cook, and a vibrant personality in our community. He’s recognized at various restaurants all over the South Shore, having been in the industry for decades. He has a great sense of humor, loves to host dinners, and is always the first to offer a helping hand.

How You Can Help

Any contribution will help relieve our financial stress, allowing us to focus on my husband’s recovery. Your donations will go towards paying our mounting medical expenses, his upcoming surgery and daily expenses. Thank you for your kindness and support during these trying times.

Please keep my husband and our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult journey. We are grateful for any help you can provide.

With heartfelt thanks,

Rosalina Vasquez