Pablo Sierra’s Medical Fundraiser

This is 22-year-old, Pablo Sierra's unfortunate story of a tragic accident that took place on September 13, 2019. To start off, due to the severity of his injuries, if the medical team in the ambulance hadn't arrived when they did, he may not be here today so please read this closely and carefully. Our goal is set at $100,000 for Pablo's treatment due to the fact that his caregivers are ineligible for medical insurance - making every donation crucial to Pablo's recovery. 

Pablo sustained fractures to his spine that injured his C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae and his spinal cord was impacted intensively. He has undergone several spinal surgeries and many more minor surgeries to try and keep him stable in hopes of keeping infections from arising. When he first arrived to the hospital he was sent into immediate emergency trauma surgery where he had to be intubated, due to the inability to breathe on his own. He was unable to speak for about 2 weeks, due to the tube that was inserted in his throat. Unfortunately, he is still unable to breathe on his own and it has been almost 3 weeks since the accident occurred. Recently, he underwent a Tracheostomy in hopes of helping him breathe and speak on his own. After this procedure he was (and still is today) struggling immensely with trying to annunciate words and is unable to breathe on his own whatsoever. A tracheostomy is a procedure (temporary or permanent) that involves an opening in Pablos neck that allows for a tube to be placed into his windpipe. This will allow his lungs to send and receive air. Sadly, more steps are needing to be taken for his recovery and many more will need to be taken down the road. He now has a scheduled upcoming surgery to get a Diaphragmatic Pacemaker installed.  A Diaphragmatic Pacemaker is a device that helps inflate the lungs when the body is unable to perform the task on its own (and may I say, is VERY costly). The diaphragm muscle is the primary muscle used for breathing. This device sends nerve signals to the diaphragm that causes the muscle to contract, mimicking the activity of normal breathing - and hopefully, then, teaches his body how to breathe on his own again. This specific device is not much of a common procedure done in adult patients, so he had to be transferred to another hospital 3:30 hours away that had the suitable device for him. At the moment, the doctors are still unsure of his ability to move in the future. With that being said, he will need extensive rehabilitation and therapy for months and years to come to regain his ability and strength. During this three week period Pablo has been sedated 98% of the time; if not more. So you can only imagine the unexplainable toll that it will take on him physically and mentally. 

With the accident happening nearly 3 weeks ago, it is nerve-wrecking knowing that he has been nearly immobile up to this point . With the help of new medical technology and his personal strength, he has been able to make it thus far and we pray that he will continue move forward in a positive manner. Pablo will be staying in the hospital for many more months with numerous procedures planned for the future. Unfortunately, this is only the first chapter of this long book. During his recovery, which is going to be the most difficult time, he will need the funds to get the help he needs. Rehabilitation and therapy is extremely costly, especially after already having existing medical bills from spending months in hospitals. We are being extremely hopeful of Pablo's outcome and praying a great deal that he will regain strength with the help of countless doctors working tirelessly around the clock. His strength, his family, and  his friends, along with the help of each donation will make this process much more feasible. 

The last thing Pablo had said to me was, "Please give me strength" ... so please, whether it be big or small, absolutely any donation helps. Pablo is a wonderful, energetic, and down-to-earth person. He is truly one of the best and most incredible human beings I've gotten the honor to love and know. He is always his raw, authentic self in any situation. He has an infinite love for nature and loves to go on hikes, adventures, and he's ALWAYS on-the-go. Pablo deserves a chance to be able to do the things he loves.

His mom Blanca Rodriguez  will not be able to work anymore as she is going to take care of my nephew, full time. He will need help to eat, bathe, and function day-to-day. Pablo will be coming home soon after spending several weeks in the ICU at 2 hospitals and we need to make sure his house is adapted to be accesible by wheelchair, including a new bathroom among other things. We are reaching out to all of our family members, friends and anyone who can help my sister deal with this tragedy. Any donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.