My name is Hilsia, and I am Gabino’s wife.

This past Friday, while attending a company conference in Florida, my husband experienced a serious medical emergency. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors had to perform a life-saving operation to repair his esophagus, which was damaged during a simple dinner at a restaurant.

What was supposed to be a three-day work trip has turned into a three-week hospital stay. Our personal funds are quickly depleting by the unexpected emergency. Unfortunately, the airline agency has refused to extend our return flight, and we are currently unable to get back home to our three children, who have been left in the care of our eldest son—just 20 years old.

Doctors estimate that my husband will need at least three more months of recovery. Gabino being a small business owner in the Coachella Valley, this timing could not be worse. The summer season is especially difficult for local businesses like ours, and being closed during this time could be devastating.

This GoFundMe has been set up to help us cover our essential expenses over the next few months, including rent, business fees, a return flight home, and food and lodging for me while I remain here at my husband’s side in Florida.

In Luke 21:1–4, we’re reminded of the poor widow who gave two small coins—what little she had—and yet, Jesus praised her, saying she had given more than all the others because she gave from the heart. That story reminds me that no gift is too small, and whatever you’re able to give will be deeply appreciated by me, my family, and most of all, my husband.

May Jehovah continue to watch over all of us. From the bottom of my heart—thank you.