My husband and I have been facing a series of health challenges that have turned our lives upside down. It all began when he suffered a ruptured aorta while we were in Mexico, which led to an emergency evacuation back to Houston. There, he underwent open heart and lung surgery, and is now recovering, but has been put on dialysis due to kidney failure. As if that wasn’t enough, doctors discovered a tumor on his pancreas, and he will need another surgery once his heart is strong enough, which is scheduled for this coming Fall.

While we were still trying to process his health crisis, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in February. Thankfully, it was caught early, but I will need a mastectomy of my left breast on March 30th. The emotional and financial strain of both of us needing major surgeries at the same time has been overwhelming. Our insurance does not cover many of these expenses, and we had to leave our rental home in Mexico in an emergency. We are currently living with my mother-in-law in Houston, and our possessions remain in storage in Mexico. Technically, we are homeless, but we are deeply grateful to my mother-in-law for taking us in during this difficult time.

Our immediate priorities are covering medical bills and finding a place to rent here in Houston so we can begin to rebuild our lives. Eventually, we hope to bring our belongings back from Mexico, but right now, every bit of support will go toward our most urgent needs. We truly appreciate all the support that helped us get my husband back to the US for his life-saving surgery in August. We are asking for assistance again as we will both now need surgery for cancer. This has been overwhelming but we know that we have an amazing support system who have shown us love, support, and kindness in this health journey. We hate to ask as we know so many are going through trials right now, but if you are able to assist, we would be so grateful, and will definitely pay it forward as we are able.