Let’s Ride! On a continued journey

My name is Vanessa Salazar, and I am writing this on behalf of my father Rogelio Salazar Jr. In 2012, our lives changed. My father Rogelio suffered two heart attacks back to back. He coded twice, and then was in a coma. Weeks passed with our family devastated not knowing what was next, and a miracle happened, he awoke from his coma. He was transferred to St Luke’s Hospital in Houston, TX where he received a left ventricular assistive device (LVAD), to keep his heart going. On January 21, 2013, we got the call that my dad has a heart donor. When the heart transplant was received, the doctors told us half of the heart is weak, and they would need to medically get it going. Now in an induced coma, my dad fought for his life once again, while his body accepted the blessing. Multiple heart operative procedures were required to get the heart stable. Countless doctor’s appointments, medications, hospital stays, and travel to Houston, which is a six hour drive from their hometown, has resulted in a financial struggle. My mother and father, as many know, will be the first people to offer anyone assistance, and literally give their shirt off their back. My parents home was always the safe haven for anyone needing a home when going through a hard time. During recovery my mom, Herlinda, suffered a stroke, resulting in going from the caretaker to needing care. They are both recovering, but their journey is a long road ahead. My fathers heart transplant is becoming weaker, and the doctors feel he needs to undergo another transplant to improve quality of life. As we prepare for this next journey, I hope you can find it in your heart to help in whatever way you can. Travel to medical appointments, hospital stays, and medications has made it difficult financially, and I would like to reduce some of their stress, so they can continue to focus on their recovery. All donations and support will go toward medical and living expenses. On behalf of my family, we thank you.