Lisa's Legacy: Aid for Daniel's Recovery

I am Sabrina Gallegos, daughter of Daniel and Lisa Pendery-Valdez. No words can describe exactly what I, my father Daniel, and Lisa’s family are feeling right now.

For starters, Lisa donated her kidney at the end of October and was in recovery, recently back to work part-time. My bonus mama selflessly gave her kidney to bump my father up the list, as my dad is in kidney failure as I write this. Little did we know it would take a sudden change for the worse.

Shortly after Christmas, Lisa was not her bubbly, giggly, and happy self but lost and dazed. Daniel took Lisa to the ER as he knew something was completely wrong. Once at the ER, they discovered Lisa was diagnosed with liver failure and was immediately flown by flight for life to the hospital where she originally donated her kidney. Since Saturday, December 28th, Lisa has been fighting for her life as liver failure took over her body. She was medically induced into a coma and had multiple tests done as her family and medical staff prepared for an emergency liver transplant. The medical staff did not realize how deeply tragic things were when they placed a bolt in Lisa’s head to monitor swelling in her brain, which they had suspected, and were unable to complete her transplant unless the swelling came down.

On December 30th, Lisa was pronounced brain dead, and family and friends were forced to prepare for her goodbye. Lisa is a registered organ donor, and her good organs will be donated to anyone in need. This was not a surprise as she was the most loving, selfless, genuine light in any and everyone’s life she came across. She took one in a million to another meaning.

Daniel (my father) recently received news he will receive his kidney transplant in the middle of January. This has been one of the most difficult, painful journeys our family has had to go through. My dad will be on medical leave soon to recover from his procedure, and I will also take care of him to the best of my ability. Lisa was his partner, who helped him with any and every bill that applied to their life. As we send her to Heaven, my dad will need any and every financial support as FMLA only covers so much to get us through this most difficult time.

Daniel has made a promise to Lisa to fulfill his second chance at life for her as she has given her life for him. Any and everything is appreciated during this time to help support my dad during his grieving and healing season of life. Please send all your love his way as he will need everyone’s strength during this time. Thank you, everyone, in advance for keeping him looking at this journey as a positive way to live for Lisa as she made him a promise to keep living for her. My dad is strong, but even the strongest people need the most love and support at times.

Rest in peace, Lisa. You will live forever through us no matter where you are.