Six years ago, I never imagined my life would take this turn. I was a strong, independent business owner, and devoted to my family. But life has a way of changing in ways we never expect. What started as occasional fatigue and shortness of breath turned into something far more serious—cardiomyopathy. At first, I thought I could manage it, that I would get better. But as time went on, my condition worsened, progressing into congestive heart failure.

Now, I face a reality I never thought I would: I need a heart transplant to survive. The weight of this truth is something I carry every single day. My heart is failing me, and without this surgery, I don’t know how much time I have left.

I have been blessed with a loving husband, Jose. He has been my rock through this journey, but now, the weight of this responsibility will fall on him. As I fight for my life, I also worry about the burden he will have to bear—our home, our children, the medical bills, and everything in between.

Our three children are still so young, with so much life ahead of them. Our 15-year-old is already attending college, striving for a future we have always dreamed of for her. Our 13-year-old is in seventh grade, full of life and curiosity, while our youngest, just 10 years old, is still in fourth grade—too young to have to face the possibility of losing his mother.

Our savings have been depleted by years of medical expenses, and now, with this transplant, the financial strain is overwhelming. Every ounce of energy I have left goes into ensuring my family has a home, food, and stability. But this surgery will leave me unable to work, drowning us in medical debt, and putting an unimaginable burden on Jose.

I never thought I would have to turn to GoFundMe to sustain my life. I never imagined being in a position where I had to ask for help. But today, I am swallowing my pride because my family needs me, and I need this heart transplant to be here for them.

I am reaching out, not just as a wife and mother fighting for her life, but as a human being in need of a miracle. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help me get through this surgery, cover medical expenses, and ensure that my family has a future.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story, for sharing it, and for donating if you can. Your support means the world to me, Jose, and our children.

With love and gratitude,

Julissa Estrella