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Give Paulo a Second Chance at Life

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Help Paulo get a second chance with the right treatment.

About Paulo
Paulo is a loving father, husband, and friend—someone who has always brought joy and light to everyone around him. But today, he’s fighting the toughest battle of his life, and we need your help to give him a second chance.

What Happened
Nine months ago, without warning, our lives changed forever. My dad, Paulo, suddenly began experiencing seizures and unpredictable fainting spells. These terrifying episodes could happen at any moment, and as time passed, things only worsened. His symptoms became more severe, and every day, he grew weaker.

We searched tirelessly for answers—visiting countless doctors, undergoing endless tests—but no one could tell us what was wrong.

Today, Paulo can barely eat. His movements are limited, his speech and thoughts are confused, and he is a shadow of the strong, vibrant man he once was. Watching someone you love waste away, powerless to help, is a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

The Diagnosis
Two months ago, after so much uncertainty, we finally found hope. A compassionate doctor through the public healthcare system—our angel—ordered a crucial test called a PET-SCAN. After battling with our insurance, we were able to get it approved and completed in São Paulo.

The results gave us the answer we’d been searching for: Paulo has severe encephalitis, likely autoimmune in nature.

Why We Need Your Help
For Paulo to begin the treatment that could save his life, we urgently need to run specialized tests to pinpoint the exact type of encephalitis. These tests will allow doctors to determine the right treatment before it’s too late.

But here’s the challenge: our health insurance has refused to cover the cost. The total amount needed to perform the tests at a private lab, within the hospital where he’s currently admitted, is R$17,000 (Brazilian reais).

We simply don’t have the means to cover this amount. Every day without the correct diagnosis means another day without proper treatment, and with every passing moment, the risk of permanent damage grows.

How You Can Help
We are reaching out to you, from the bottom of our hearts, to ask for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Whether it’s donating, sharing our story, or simply sending us your prayers, every gesture brings us closer to saving Paulo.

Our Goal
Amount Needed: R$17,000 (Brazilian reais)
Purpose: Specialized tests to identify the exact type of encephalitis, enabling life-saving treatment
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    Organizer

    Amanda Estacio Ochocki
    Organizer
    Leesburg, VA

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