Help Julio Heal

Julio Arévalo Silva, a devoted father, friend, and 10-year U.S. Army Veteran, served the United States despite not being a U.S. citizen. After completing his service, he returned to Mexico to build a life with his wife and three children, working hard to support them in every way he could.

Today, Julio needs our help.

His Medical Journey

On July 7th, 2025, Julio underwent a major heart revascularization surgery in Mexico City to reconstruct three blocked arteries using grafts from his forearm, groin, and mammary gland. While his preexisting health conditions complicated the procedure, he recovered quickly from anesthesia, and his heart began working on its own right away. He was discharged on July 13, hopeful and optimistic to continue his recovery at home.

But only a week later, on July 21, an infection began in his surgical scar. What began as something minor escalated quickly. Julio drove himself urgently back to Mexico City, where he was readmitted on July 26.

Over the next two weeks, he underwent intravenous antibiotics, CT scans, and extensive infectious disease care before being discharged again on August 5 with strict home care requirements. Since then, he has faced additional complications, requiring more hospital visits and placing immense pressure on his family.

The Financial Impact

Julio and his family have carried these medical costs entirely on their own, selling his car and using personal savings to keep up with mounting costs. The total so far is $41,000 USD (~$694,000 MXN), including:

Why the Goal is $46,500 USD

Julio's current out-of-pocket expenses so far amount to $41,000. USD, but we've set the campaign slightly higher to create a small cushion for:

Julio currently has no active health insurance or VA benefits. We are exploring Veteran programs and support resources, but those options take time. This campaign allows him to focus on healing without the added stress of financial hardship while aid is pending.

How You Can Help

Your donations will directly support:

Every contribution, whether $5 or $500, makes a meaningful difference. If you can't donate, sharing this campaign with your network is just as impactful.

Personal Note

Julio is one of those people who shows up with full presence every time. Whether it’s proudly sharing about his son’s back-to-school outfit in our morning meetings together, sending the link to watch his daughter’s volleyball tournament, or catching up about life’s everyday wins, Julio represents his family with genuine pride and warmth.

His story is a reminder that strength isn’t just in pushing through; it’s about showing up for the people you love, no matter what.

This campaign is our chance to give back. With Ale helping bridge the language gap and a community ready to stand beside him, I believe we can give Julio and his family the support and space they need to heal.

Whether you give a little or a lot, thank you for helping us stand beside someone who has given so much.

Now, it’s our turn to show up for him.

❤️ Together for Julio · #HelpJulioHeal

About the Organizer

Hi, I’m Candis Kerlin. I work with Julio and have seen firsthand the challenges he and his family are facing right now. I teamed up with friend and colleague Alejandra “Ale” Valenciana, who ensures accurate Spanish translation so we can share Julio’s story across both English- and Spanish-speaking communities.

Due to limitations with international fund disbursement through GoFundMe, I’m acting as the U.S.-based financial facilitator. I’ve opened a dedicated fundraising account here in Iowa (50323) solely for this campaign. Once the fundraiser concludes, we will directly transfer 100% of the funds to Julio and his family.

(Please see the "Funds Disbursement Transparency" section below for additional information on the campaign.)

This campaign is about rallying friends, colleagues, and the community to give Julio the same support he’s always given to others.

If you are a company, organization, or individual interested in making a larger donation, sponsoring part of Julio’s care, or offering in-kind support, please reach out via the GoFundMe messaging system. We’ll be so grateful to work together directly and transparently.

Fund Disbursement Transparency

Due to GoFundMe’s limitations in sending funds internationally, all donations will be securely deposited into a dedicated U.S. bank account managed by me, Candis Kerlin, as the fundraiser facilitator. Once the campaign ends or reaches a natural pause, 100% of the funds will be transferred directly to Julio's family in Mexico.

If you have questions, ideas, or want to offer additional support, please don’t hesitate to message me through this platform.