Greetings World,

The fact that I'm sitting down to write this in the year 2025 blows my mind.

In 1993 my sister, Kim, emigrated to the United States for the promise of a different life, better opportunity, and new experiences.

One of those new experiences was being introduced to a man that otherwise she would have never met.

Luis Gamarra-Martinez, 55, entered our family nearly thirty years ago.

Together they built a life fully of craziness and joy, started a family, and helped their families that remained in their countries of origin.

In the 2020s Luis began facing some health challenges.

His medical team challenged him to make drastic lifestyle changes to combat them at home in tandem with treatments available to him through science and peer-reviewed research.

By 2022 his body had accomplished so much -- however some changes were irreversible.

Luis was placed on the transplant list for a new organ and once again was tasked with doing as much as possible to "be ready for an organ when it comes available.

My sister was and remains his absolute champion. During this season she asked me to be on the ready alongside them, help them, translate for them, advocate for them... be as present as possible. How could I say no?

She made it her full-time job ensuring he was making the best choices and supported him through the transplant process. I was gifted a career at the time that allowed time flexibility so when we "got the call" we could pack up and go.

The Las Vegas metropolitan area does not have a transplant hospital. If/when the time was time, we had to get to Loma Linda, California as soon as possible.

In 2023 we received two separate calls that a donor organ was coming in and we were next on the list.

Excited.

Scared.

Nervous.

Uncertain.

Finally...

...then nope. Those first two organs weren't viable.

In August of 2023 we got the call.

Green Light.

Get here ASAP.

We packed up, drove just a smidge over the speed limit and didn't even take a break at Eddy's or the Linwood exit (if you know, you know...)

10 days post surgery we were heading back to Las Vegas with a whole set of rules and ways of living.

He took his medicine. He changed his lifestyle. He prioritized his health.

He chose Life.

My sister did absolutely everything in her power to ensure that she could to ensure he had high-levels of normalcy for him and around him.

Living on anti-rejection medication was definitely a new path; but they made it work.

Now, we're in 2025.

The past few months have been filled with more downs than ups.

On the up side, his liver was functioning at tip-top shape the entire time. But his immune system, functioning at a completely compromised state, was weaker and weaker with new strains of viruses and stronger bacterias.

On April 25, 2025 Luis was admitted to the hospital with Pneumonia. The outstanding medical team at the local hospital did everything they could to ensure he was cared for, comfortable, and equipped to fight hard to win. By this point in time Luis was exhausted, frustrated, and wanted to go home.

All he wanted was to be home.

On May 1, 2025 Luis succumbed to the infection leaving behind my sister, nephew, and his family.

His last moments on this planet were surrounded by his parents, siblings, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews -- Mostly family that he administratively and financially supported through the emigration process; helping them chase and achieve the American Dream.

All donations made through this platform will go to off-set the cost of Luis' final arrangements and provide some financial cushion for my sister as she transitions into her next stage of life.

Luis was my sister's love of her life.

Luis was the father to the greatest nephew and grandson any one could ever hope for.

Luis was the oldest sibling and a champion of dreaming for his entire family.

His passing has left a massive hole in the social fabric of our family; one that is filled immensely by your outpouring of love and support.