Donation protected
Sam says, "I was born again, again on Jesus' birthday. His birthday is now my birthday".
A beloved family man, dear friend, and Valley Christian School's Security Sergeant, Samuel "Sam" Rios, flatlined for over 45 minutes on Christmas Day! Even in a hospital filled with COVID patients, the doctor encouraged Sam's wife Lorie to gather the family to say their goodbyes. All seven children came to the hospital to hold a prayer vigil for their dad, one from Los Angeles, another from Las Vegas, two from Sacramento, and the others locally. A few were allowed to visit their dad in ICU since doctors felt death was imminent. Doctors put Sam in a medically induced coma to protect him from possible brain damage or physical impairment. Amazingly, Sam regained consciousness when his son Jared arrived. While in recovery from the first arrest, Sam's heart arrested for a second time. Lorie stated, "I believe in Lazurus faith – God is able!" Miraculously, Sam is alive!
Though 2020 has been a trying year for the world, it has been particularly challenging for Sam and Lorie Rios. Sam's experienced a heart-related health incident in late September. Though he recovered, this occurred while they were fighting to keep their small independent business afloat amid the COVID restrictions. Lighthouse55 in Hollister, their full-service bakery, was shut down with all of their pre-existing contracts canceled due to the pandemic's limits. With no weddings, no graduations, and no quinceaneras, the State's tiered opening system's unpredictable nature has crushed any opportunities to re-establish a steady flow of business. Though they qualified and applied for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, they have never received a cent of relief.
With Lorie as Sam's primary caregiver and neither working at this time, stress and bills are piling up. They have business-related, health-related, and personal expenses that are beyond what disability and insurance will cover. Prayerfully consider how you might contribute to this need, and please share this opportunity with others who may help.
The Rios' ongoing blessings and challenges:
Sam's heart condition is only functioning at 20%.
Insurance is paying for the external defibrillator that will "zap" him if he experiences another arrest.
He had an angioplasty and is scheduled for an echocardiogram on February 22nd.
Sam and Lorie are the guardians of one grandchild who lives with them.
While Lorie cares for Sam and their grandchild, Lighthouse55 remains shut down until further notice.
Sam was a Level 1 Reserve Officer for 25 years with the San Jose Police Department, without a paycheck and no retirement. He gladly served to help his community without compensation.
Like you, friends and family can come alongside to help stand in the gap for the Rios family, both prayerfully and financially. You may submit a tax-deductible contribution through Valley's Good Samaritan Fund found at https://www.vcs.net/give/how-to-give and designate your gift by typing Sam Rios in the comment.
Donors also have the option to give through the GoFundMe page set up for Sam and Lorie. Please give through the method in which you are most comfortable.
We rejoice that God protected Sam's life and continues to restore him daily. Sam is thankful and humbled that God spared his life.
A beloved family man, dear friend, and Valley Christian School's Security Sergeant, Samuel "Sam" Rios, flatlined for over 45 minutes on Christmas Day! Even in a hospital filled with COVID patients, the doctor encouraged Sam's wife Lorie to gather the family to say their goodbyes. All seven children came to the hospital to hold a prayer vigil for their dad, one from Los Angeles, another from Las Vegas, two from Sacramento, and the others locally. A few were allowed to visit their dad in ICU since doctors felt death was imminent. Doctors put Sam in a medically induced coma to protect him from possible brain damage or physical impairment. Amazingly, Sam regained consciousness when his son Jared arrived. While in recovery from the first arrest, Sam's heart arrested for a second time. Lorie stated, "I believe in Lazurus faith – God is able!" Miraculously, Sam is alive!
Though 2020 has been a trying year for the world, it has been particularly challenging for Sam and Lorie Rios. Sam's experienced a heart-related health incident in late September. Though he recovered, this occurred while they were fighting to keep their small independent business afloat amid the COVID restrictions. Lighthouse55 in Hollister, their full-service bakery, was shut down with all of their pre-existing contracts canceled due to the pandemic's limits. With no weddings, no graduations, and no quinceaneras, the State's tiered opening system's unpredictable nature has crushed any opportunities to re-establish a steady flow of business. Though they qualified and applied for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, they have never received a cent of relief.
With Lorie as Sam's primary caregiver and neither working at this time, stress and bills are piling up. They have business-related, health-related, and personal expenses that are beyond what disability and insurance will cover. Prayerfully consider how you might contribute to this need, and please share this opportunity with others who may help.
The Rios' ongoing blessings and challenges:
Sam's heart condition is only functioning at 20%.
Insurance is paying for the external defibrillator that will "zap" him if he experiences another arrest.
He had an angioplasty and is scheduled for an echocardiogram on February 22nd.
Sam and Lorie are the guardians of one grandchild who lives with them.
While Lorie cares for Sam and their grandchild, Lighthouse55 remains shut down until further notice.
Sam was a Level 1 Reserve Officer for 25 years with the San Jose Police Department, without a paycheck and no retirement. He gladly served to help his community without compensation.
Like you, friends and family can come alongside to help stand in the gap for the Rios family, both prayerfully and financially. You may submit a tax-deductible contribution through Valley's Good Samaritan Fund found at https://www.vcs.net/give/how-to-give and designate your gift by typing Sam Rios in the comment.
Donors also have the option to give through the GoFundMe page set up for Sam and Lorie. Please give through the method in which you are most comfortable.
We rejoice that God protected Sam's life and continues to restore him daily. Sam is thankful and humbled that God spared his life.
Organiser and beneficiary
Melody Fonda
Organiser
San Jose, CA
Samuel Rios
Beneficiary