Help Ivan Breathe
Donation protected
Hello all and loved ones,
My name is Isabel, and about 3 months ago, my best friend Ivan Heredia and his family received life changing news that has severely impacted their lives.
How We Got Here
As some of you may know, Ivan was in and out of the hospital the past several months, trying to find a diagnosis for his breathing problems. His lungs have suffered irreparable scarring, and inflammation which prevents him from breathing normally, causing his oxygen levels to drop dangerously low (currently, without respiratory equipment, he cannot breathe on his own). The Pulmonary Specialists at UCLA Medical Center have diagnosed him with a rare disease called 'Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome,' (HPS) which is directly linked to his albinism.
His Current Status
Ivan was initially being treated at Riverside Community Hospital, but due to the rarity of his disease, he is now being treated at UCLA Medical Center, where hehas been cleared to undergo a double lung transplant. Due to the distance from his home in Riverside, he and his family will be forced to temporarily move as close as possible to the transplant center at UCLA to receive the intensive care after the transplant surgery. Part of the evaluation to determine his diagnosis of HPS included genetic testing, which is not covered by his health insurance, and will need to be paid out of pocket.
Currently, Ivan's wife Leticia, is faced with going back and forth between UCLA, work, and taking care of their two young children (Israel, 10 years and Emmilia, 17 months).
What Now?
Double lung transplants are expensive.
The pre and post transplant care is, as you can imagine, complex and critical. The medications, routine doctor visits, and costs for housing near the transplant center post-transplant surgery add up immensely.
I am reaching out to everyone who may or may not personally know Ivan, because I want to help raise funds for him and his family to cover direct expenses that are not covered by his health insurance. My goal is to give them a peace of mind, at least financially, throughout the process to a healthy recovery.
If you could please support my friend and his family by making a financial donation, and subsequently share it with your network, it would be most appreciated. Asking for money is difficult, but even the smallest amount of help can make a difference to help Ivan and his family at this time.
Please feel free to reach out to me, or Ivan's siblings (Jonathan [email redacted] and Johanna [email redacted] ) if you have any questions, or feel more comfortable donating in a different way.
Let's Help Ivan Breathe.
My name is Isabel, and about 3 months ago, my best friend Ivan Heredia and his family received life changing news that has severely impacted their lives.
How We Got Here
As some of you may know, Ivan was in and out of the hospital the past several months, trying to find a diagnosis for his breathing problems. His lungs have suffered irreparable scarring, and inflammation which prevents him from breathing normally, causing his oxygen levels to drop dangerously low (currently, without respiratory equipment, he cannot breathe on his own). The Pulmonary Specialists at UCLA Medical Center have diagnosed him with a rare disease called 'Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome,' (HPS) which is directly linked to his albinism.
His Current Status
Ivan was initially being treated at Riverside Community Hospital, but due to the rarity of his disease, he is now being treated at UCLA Medical Center, where hehas been cleared to undergo a double lung transplant. Due to the distance from his home in Riverside, he and his family will be forced to temporarily move as close as possible to the transplant center at UCLA to receive the intensive care after the transplant surgery. Part of the evaluation to determine his diagnosis of HPS included genetic testing, which is not covered by his health insurance, and will need to be paid out of pocket.
Currently, Ivan's wife Leticia, is faced with going back and forth between UCLA, work, and taking care of their two young children (Israel, 10 years and Emmilia, 17 months).
What Now?
Double lung transplants are expensive.
The pre and post transplant care is, as you can imagine, complex and critical. The medications, routine doctor visits, and costs for housing near the transplant center post-transplant surgery add up immensely.
I am reaching out to everyone who may or may not personally know Ivan, because I want to help raise funds for him and his family to cover direct expenses that are not covered by his health insurance. My goal is to give them a peace of mind, at least financially, throughout the process to a healthy recovery.
If you could please support my friend and his family by making a financial donation, and subsequently share it with your network, it would be most appreciated. Asking for money is difficult, but even the smallest amount of help can make a difference to help Ivan and his family at this time.
Please feel free to reach out to me, or Ivan's siblings (Jonathan [email redacted] and Johanna [email redacted] ) if you have any questions, or feel more comfortable donating in a different way.
Let's Help Ivan Breathe.
Organizer and beneficiary
Isabel Vega
Organizer
Riverside, CA
Leticia Corona
Beneficiary
