<div>Dear Friends,
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<div>We need your help to support and lift up <strong>The Benitez Family</strong>.
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<div>Every parent’s worst fear is an injured child. Receiving a phone call telling you that your child has been in an accident and requires emergency surgery, is inconceivable. But such heartbreaking circumstances are the current reality that has placed an immense emotional strain on our dear friends, Christian and Debbie Benitez.
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<div>As some of you may already know, their 19-year-old son, Lucas (current Sophomore at UC Berkeley, Loyola Cub Class of ‘23, and ABVM Gator Class of ‘19), is in critical but stable condition after an accident, where he sustained a traumatic brain injury. Lucas and his family - Christian, Debbie and his younger brother Kian, are facing a difficult and long battle ahead.
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<div>For most of us, it's not until we're faced with a real challenge that we find our true strength and bravery. It is exhausting. It is disheartening. But when you can manage to harness hope as a powerful motivator to persevere through challenges and get to the other side, you will find joy at the end of this journey.
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<div>As parents know all too well, having a child means taking a piece of your heart and letting it walk outside of your body. It can be devastating to find out that the piece that you let go was hurt, but just like you, that piece is strong and it will fight. That’s the thing about life; it is fragile, precious and unpredictable, and each day is a gift, not a given right. At this moment, the Benitez family is with Lucas, at his bedside, determined to be there for him every step of the way. They are harnessing hope, faith and love for Lucas, while spending extended time away from their careers, family, and friends during this hospitalization. We have all the faith that Lucas's resilience is just as strong, if not stronger.
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<div><strong>How can you help?</strong>
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<div>Christian and Debbie are the kind of people who will be there in a heartbeat to help a friend or neighbor in need. Long stays in a hospital come with many costs and time away from work.
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<div>Please, join us on this journey of lifting the Benitez family up with prayers of faith, encouragement and hope. Every day feels like a struggle, and we're humbly reaching out for your support. Any amount you can donate to this GoFundMe will make a world of difference in their fight for Lucas and his recovery. Your generosity means everything. Our mission is to ensure that proceeds from funds raised go towards:
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<li>Lucas’s care, equipment needs, etc.
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<li>Travel back and forth to UCLA Medical Center
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<li>Food
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<li>Time away from their careers and their beloved home
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<div>Whether you’re able to donate, share this fundraising campaign, or simply send prayers, let’s do what this community does best and help. In these moments of uncertainty, let's fill their hearts with God’s peace. Let our collective prayers help them to trust in God’s promises and not be swayed by fear or doubt. Let’s help strengthen their faith and remind them of God’s constant presence.
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<div><strong>DO YOU KNOW LUCAS? IF NOT, WE’RE HONORED TO SHARE A FEW ANECDOTES:</strong>
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<div>Lucas is EXTRAORDINARY. This young man has touched the lives of so many with his infectious laughter, unwavering kindness, and genuine spirit. He is a bright light, always shining with a warmth that draws people in, making everyone feel seen and valued. His love for life is evident and infectious to everyone he is around, and he is everything that quantifies success, development, and growth. He is a wonderful young man - funny, respectful, honorable, and with an amazing appetite for life. To know Lucas, is to know a remarkable young man who is kind hearted, responsible, and always respectful. His respect for others, combined with his natural warmth, is unparalleled - leaving an imprint on people’s hearts:
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<li>A loving and dedicated son who puts others ahead of himself. He cares deeply about their well being. He loves life and always sees the silver lining in everything. Always positive and supportive. His smile and hugs are genuine LOVE.
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<li>A gentleman who fills the hearts of others with love and light through his kindness
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<li>Like the ocean, Lucas evokes peacefulness and calm while in motion. And like the powerful ocean, Lucas is a force of determination. His positivity is contagious and his love for his family and friends can be felt just by being around him.
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<div><strong>“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 </strong>
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<div>The journey to recovery will be a hard and long one, but we know that every bit of love and support will make a difference. Thank you for standing with us in this time of need. We are eternally grateful for your donations, support, love, and prayers.
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<div>If anyone would like to donate, but is not comfortable doing so through GoFundMe, please send us a message by clicking "Contact" under the Fundraising Team.
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<div>With faith and gratitude,
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<div>Fatima, Kara, Loreene and Michelle
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Join Us in Lifting Up Lucas Benitez and Family

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