Mario Garza's Medical Fund

As a Navy Veteran and Paramedic, Mario Garza has spent his entire life helping others.  Today, Mario needs our help!  Mario was recently diagnosed with a condition that is compressing the nerves in his spinal cord (Severe Lumbar Radiculopathy) and if untreated, will lead to paralysis in his lower extremities.  There is a corrective surgery available.  Unfortunately, Mario is not a candidate at this time due to his weight.   Mario served as a search and rescue corpsman, and rescue swimmer in the US NAVY.  During non-combat operations in the Mediterranean sea, Mario was involved in an aviation mishap, in which the helicopter he was flying in suffered a catastrophic engine failure causing the aircraft to crash in the ocean.  It was a miracle that he and his crew survived, but the accident caused severe injuries to his lower back.  In the years since the accident, Mario has struggled with pain which has ultimately contributed to weight gain.  Mario urgently needs a weight loss surgery (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)that is not covered by health insurance.  Mario and his team of doctors have worked diligently to try and get this surgery approved, however,  it was denied.  If Mario doesn't get to a safe weight and have the surgery, he could be paralyzed in 2-3 years.   Currently, Mario is helping his mother financially as she is battling a terminal form of brain cancer.  Mario does not have the $15,000.00 needed to pay out of pocket for the weight loss surgery.  I'm asking friends, co-workers, brothers, and sisters to help Mario.  The sense of urgency is great and the time is now for us to help.  Thank you for your contribution!