My dad, Luis Zamudio, is one of the strongest and most selfless people we know. He is a basketball coach, a father, a grandfather, a veteran, and above all, a genuinely good man who has always put others before himself.
Recently, our family was shaken when my dad suffered a heart attack. Just one week later, after experiencing continued discomfort, he was forced to return to the hospital, where doctors determined that he needed an additional heart procedure. In the span of only two to three weeks, my dad underwent two heart procedures, making this an especially difficult and overwhelming time for our family. As he gets older, recovery does not come as easily, and more than anything, he needs a stress-free recovery so his body can heal properly.
My dad proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps, including service in the Persian Gulf, where he reached the rank of Sergeant and worked in water filtration operations. He has spent his life serving others—through the military, through coaching, and through being a constant source of support for his family and community.
While the total cost of his medical care was much higher, after insurance, each procedure has left my dad with approximately $7,000 in out-of-pocket costs. After factoring in additional related medical expenses and ongoing care, his estimated total out-of-pocket medical costs are expected to be around $20,000.
In addition to these medical expenses, my dad will require continued physical therapy and follow-up care, which insurance only partially covers, meaning these costs will continue to add up over time.
On top of this, my dad has not been able to work due to doctors’ orders. His job is a high-stress management position, and he is currently waiting to be medically cleared before he can return. He has already gone over a month without working and is not expected to be cleared until mid-February/March. During this time, he still has regular monthly living expenses to manage.
As his children, asking for help does not come easily to us. We are still early in our careers, my brothers are currently in college. We are doing everything we can, but we are simply not able to manage this burden on our own.
We truly understand how difficult things are for everyone right now. Any amount—no matter how small—helps more than you know. Even sharing this page or keeping our dad in your thoughts and prayers means the world to our family.
Our goal is to ease the financial stress so my dad can focus on what truly matters: healing, recovery, and eventually returning to the life he loves. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you’re able to give.
— The Zamudio Family