Nikki, Joey & Family Need Help

 

On Monday, December 20th, 2021, around 7:30pm, my nephew Joey Sanchez was admitted to the Casa Grande hospital. Prior to going to the hospital, Joey got out of bed and collapsed in the hallway. That's when Jazmine, Joey’s fiancé, was prompted to call 911.

 

The afternoon of December 20th, Joey became disoriented and was very confused. He had been sleeping non-stop for a week. He had jaundice for about 2 weeks, and his stomach became distended in the past week. He is in complete liver failure right now. His drinking had finally taken such a toll on his body. We have no idea how long he will be in the hospital, as he was despondent upon arrival to the ER. The ER doctor said his potassium levels are low, his blood pressure was on the low side, but improving as I write this. He also has internal bleeding. Joey was given plasma and had a blood transfusion yesterday. 

 

If the prognosis worsens, then he might need a liver transplant. They did cat scans on his abdomen and brain. We don't know those results yet. His body is exhausted and shutting down. They have placed him in soft restraints in case he becomes combative again. His family is devasted and frightened for Joey, Jazmine, the kids, and his parents. Family members begged and pleaded with Joey to go to the ER for months to get help, as he has no insurance. 

 

Dr Silva, an internist with Banner Hospital, explained everything to Joey’s parents yesterday, without sugarcoating the truth. Nikki said he is a very nice doctor and explained that Joey is critically ill. His odds of being alive in 3 months are 50/50. Dr. Silva said he has full blown liver failure and drank his liver to death. Dr. Silva also said Joey will not live to be 50/retirement age. He said the son they knew a year ago is gone. If he survives this, he will have good and bad days. Joey started to wake up when his parents were leaving. He was aware of their presence. He said he was sorry, and called my sister “mom”, and then started to cry.  

 

Joey has been assigned a case worker, who is helping to get Joey on AHCCCS to pay for his medical needs. However, my sister has no more PTO days available and is distraught about leaving her son alone in the hospital. Jazmine is a stay-at-home mom and takes care of both Axcel (4), and Eloise (1), who all live with my sister in her home. During this difficult time, my hope is to give her peace of mind by removing the stress and anxiety of meeting her monthly expenses. 

 

If you can donate, every little bit helps. Even if you’re not able to donate, we ask that you pray for Joey Sanchez as he fights this evil battle of addiction. Maybe God will give him a second chance on life to be present for his family and give us all a miracle.