On March 2nd, our dad, Moises Sanchez Gonzalez, had his life change in an instant. On that day, as he was enjoying his Saturday morning, he had a severe and massive stroke. He was rushed to the hospital and the doctors did what they could, as fast as they could, to remove the blockage in his brain and restore blood flow to the brain. Within the first few hours they were able to remove the blockage, but unfortunately it was too late. The stroke managed to impact the vast majority of the left side of his brain. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and one’s ability to speak and analyze. The stroke also caused swelling of the brain within 24 hours (which usually happens after a week) requiring an emergency hemicraniectomy (surgical removal of part of the skull). 

The next couple of weeks were intense and scary as his body started to react to the impact of the stroke and surgery. He continued to experience severe brain swelling and was in a coma-like state for about a week and half. During that time, the doctors were trying to do all they could to prevent infections and blood clots that are common when someone is immobile and in a hospital setting for so long. Fortunately, he didn't develop any major infections or additional blood clots, but he did require a breathing tube and a feeding tube. Dad was able to ditch the breathing tube though (go Dad!).

After several weeks in the hospital, dad was starting to wake up, albeit for very short periods of time. The doctors began evaluating him for potential intensive inpatient rehab. After several days of evaluation, they thankfully decided that his next step would be to transfer to an inpatient rehab hospital. Dad was transferred to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, which is ranked as one of the top rehab hospitals in the country. He has now been in the rehab hospital for three and a half weeks and we are starting to see some progress. He has been more alert, participating in his therapy sessions, and has even said a couple of words. It is going to be a very long recovery and we are praying that he will one day be able to walk and talk again. Mom has been by dad’s side every step of the way. It has been extremely exhausting, but it is evident that she will do anything for him.

The current plan is for dad to be discharged from the rehab hospital on April 24th. He will continue to need lots of support even after discharge as he will not be able to walk or communicate well. Mom will be his primary care taker and she is going to need as much help as possible. Mom sporadically has intense back pain that can make it difficult for her to walk or even move at times.

Due to dad's condition and mom's physical limitations, they will install a wheelchair lift in order to get dad into the house, they will also use a hybrid patient lift to transfer dad in and out of bed and into his wheelchair. In addition, there are also other changes that need to be made to their house in order for it to be functional for someone with a significant disability and there is also a need for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Unfortunately, dad is not able to work in this condition and the costs for these medical needs are significant. Mom and dad have received tremendous support from family and friends who have been there for our family during these trying times. Family and friends all know that this is a trying time for our family, and many have wanted to contribute to dad's recovery by giving financially. As a result, this page was set up to provide an avenue for those who desire to contribute to dad's recovery. As the family prepares for dad's homecoming, contributions of any amount would be greatly appreciated.  

We thank you in advance for any blessings, but most importantly, please keep our family and dad's recovery lifted in your prayers.  We will continue to keep you updated on dad’s progress.