My name is Heather Franco, and I am from Southern California. The money raised here will be deposited into a new account at my bank for this purpose only. That way we will have a clean and easy accounting of each donation. When the fundraiser is over, I will withdraw the money and send it to Victor in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico via Western Union. I will be personally responsible for ensuring that Victor receives the money, and providing you with updates regarding your generous donations.

I have terminal cancer with less than 5 years on this beautiful earth remaining. Surprisingly, my diagnosis and prognosis have made me a much happier person than before. Because I now know how to access happiness, contentment, and inspiration / motivation. It's largely a matter of perspective. The amount of time that I have left has little importance to me now. It's what I do with that time that truly counts.

Since the beginning of 2022, I have been going to Puerto Vallarta four times per year, two weeks per visit. It does wonders for my mental and, I believe, physical and spiritual health.

I met Victor early on in our visits. He was digging out holes with newly hatched baby sea turtles in preparation for releasing them into the ocean. In total, we have had hours and hours of long conversations (In Spanglish). In fact, we spent a lot of time talking just last week. We talk about our own mental and physical health, spirituality, philosophy, books, politics, what we mean to each other as dear friends, and supports to one another. And, of course, we talked about the state of the endangered sea turtles. He is one of my dearest friends for life.

From the 1960's through the 1980's, the sea turtle population plummeted. People were taking the eggs and the turtles in vast quantities to use their hides as fake alligator skin for shoes, clothing, and other leather "goods." The natural hatching events just disappeared.

They became nearly extinct. In 1990, the Mexican government imposed a total ban on the collection of turtles and eggs. But the turtle/egg population needed, and still needs, programs like hatcheries to bring their population up.

Nine years ago, Victor applied to the municipal government to run his own hatchery. He received the eggs, the necessary equipment and supplies from the government. But he has always done this work as a volunteer. It is that important to him. It is his life.

The hatchery is on the grounds of a rustic oceanfront restaurant. The restaurant allowed Victor to create the hatchery on its grounds. He works for the restaurant for a pittance: keeping the entire area clean, creating items that are needed. In return, the restaurant allows Victor to live in a tent behind the restaurant. This is fine with Victor because he never wants to be too far from his turtle eggs.

The hatchery is enclosure is 25 x 75 meters, and the holes are about one meter apart. Each hole contains 75 to 100 eggs. About 20% of the eggs and turtles don't make it. This is due to predators, extreme heat, etc. But Victor has single-handedly saved at least tens of thousands of eggs / turtles.

Last year, the government decided to shut down Victor's hatchery, presumably to save money. They took all of Victor's equipment and supplies, including the large rubber bins that I bought him a couple of years back. They also took the shade screen cover and sides of the enclosure. And they took so many other necessary items. All that's left is a barren enclosure.

Then, in a sudden turn around, the government decided to keep Victor's hatchery open. However, they will not be supplying a single piece of equipment or supplies anymore. Just the eggs. But the eggs are coming next month! so there is a real time crunch--especially to get the shade screen cover for the enclosure. But there is so much more for Victor to do to prepare the space.

I must reiterate that Victor has nothing.

Nothing aside from his incredible work ethic, awe-inspiring dedication, and a deep commitment to the survival of these little, defenseless turtles. He told me that "The turtles are my teachers. They teach me patience, hard work, and I love them so much."

In addition, Victor has developed a chronic medical condition that causes the incorrect number of platelets. It has caused his skin and the flesh underneath to become very waxy looking and hard as a rock on his arms, hands, legs, and feet. His joints have become extremely stiff. He needs medical treatment, but cannot afford it. I know we've heard that Mexico has free healthcare, but that's not entirely true. There are several loopholes that leave Victor with no resources for medical care.

Let me assure you, none of this has had any effect on his work with the turtles. He has proven this over the last nine years.

His deep knowledge of so many things, his incredibly giving and sensitive heart, and his complete openness made me understand immediately that I have a very special and life-long friend.

I don't normally beg. Not for anything. But here I am, begging you to help me help Victor to continue his amazing work. Any amount would be so appreciated!

I love you all

Heather