Helping Veronica Salas and Ricardo Rojas

The following was written by my daughter Veronica Salas. Her phone was stolen and she wasn't able to verify her GoFundMe account.

In July 2022, I met the love of my life while attending an artist residency in Mexico. Ricardo caught my eye even though I was not looking for love. I wasn’t expecting to meet the love of my life in Mexico in such a short amount of time, but it happened, and it was love at first sight. Since meeting him, we have maintained a long-distance relationship full of letters, care packages, and phone calls. I have gone down to visit him as much as I am able, and have fallen more deeply in love with him each time. Our visits were beautiful until this last time when it was marred with tragedy.

On August 13th, 2023, at 11 pm my boyfriend and I were brutally attacked and robbed in a Taxi on our way home from my art studio. My boyfriend risked his life, without hesitation, to save mine in the attack. In the attack he was stabbed, bit, kicked, punched, beaten in multiple ways, and sustained multiple injuries. He saved me from becoming a statistic in human trafficking while almost losing his life. I do not know if I will ever be able to show him how incredibly grateful I am to him, or what an amazing human he is for sacrificing his life in the attack. He sustained multiple injuries and was told by the doctor that he is lucky to be alive. Because of his incredible bravery, my physical injuries are minimal.

Both of us are dealing with an incredible amount of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder from the attack. Before our attack, Ricardo had planned to visit my family. The day after the attack, we went to the visa office to find out the process for Ricardo to receive his tourist visa and we were both surprised and dismayed to learn that it could take a year for him to receive his tourist visa.

After doing research and speaking with attorneys, it looks like we found a lawyer in Mexico for Ricardo's tourist visa. There are other fees, forms, and legalities that Ricardo will have to go through in the future, but this is the first step for him to visit the US. It is expensive, and I wish that I had the money necessary; I would give Ricardo the world if I could. I am asking that you please help me by donating to bring my love to the United States to finally visit. I am worried that he could be a target for future attacks if I am with him. Any money donated to our fund will go to the Visa fees, and the cost for our attorneys, medical expenses (including therapy for the trauma we experienced) and replacing the stolen items. Everything donated will be greatly appreciated. We know not everyone will be able to help, so even if you cannot donate, please share this request with your friends and family, it would mean the world to us.