Hi everyone,

We’re creating this GoFundMe on behalf of our dear friend, Alex Mendez. Alex is a Certified Healthcare Interpreter, Interpreter Trainer, and a tireless advocate for language access. For more than 20 years, he has served patients, families, and institutions across medical, community, and educational settings. He is also a co-founder of the I&T Lounge (MeetShareLearn) and a founding member and director at large of the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education, where he has dedicated countless hours to strengthening and professionalizing our field.

Now, Alex is facing a life-changing moment of his own. He has just received a kidney transplant—a procedure that offers hope, healing, and a future, but also comes with significant medical and financial challenges. As a freelance professional, Alex does not have access to paid medical leave or employer-provided benefits. Time away from work, medical bills, medications, follow-up appointments, and everyday living expenses will create a heavy financial burden during his recovery.

Alex has spent his career showing up for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. Today, we have the opportunity to show up for him.

The interpreter community has already shown incredible support, compassion, and solidarity, and I know how much that means to Alex. If you’re able to contribute, share this page, or keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers, please know that every gesture, big or small, makes a real difference.

Thank you for supporting Alex during this challenging time and for being part of a community that truly takes care of its own.

With gratitude,

Eva, Luis, and Giovanna