Rally for Enrique's Sister, María, and Her Children

Team:

As we know, our daily work is dedicated to improving the health of all Houstonians. Now and again, that Houstonian may be a member of our very own Memorial Hermann family, or in this case, family's family.

Hopefully, you all know Enrique Garay, Manager, Internal Communications. He's been an invaluable member of the comms team since April 2022, when he first joined the System, and I know he has been an amazing collaborator and partner to many across the marcomms department over the years.

Most of you, however, are likely not aware of the story I'm about to share because Enrique has been privately managing and coping. But I will share it with you now—with his permission—because sometimes the load we're given to carry is simply too heavy to carry alone.

Enrique's sister, María Guadalupe, is a hard-working, single mom of five: Maria (18), Angela (14), Alizabeth (12), Javier (6), and Tadeo (3).

On Nov. 11, 2024, María was leaving a long work shift when she was involved in a tragic motor vehicle collision that caused three severe fractures in her upper spine and neck, leaving her with little to no mobility from her shoulders down.

María was flown via Memorial Hermann Life Flight to our TMC Campus for emergency surgery, followed by weeks spent in the ICU, where she was officially diagnosed with quadriplegia. She was later transferred to an inpatient rehab facility to receive rigorous physical, occupational, and speech therapy in an attempt to help her regain mobility.

Since the accident, María has suffered varying and recurring medical issues such as fluctuating blood pressure, infections, breathing difficulties, and skin sores, among many other conditions affecting her overall health.

The family has been covering the medical and related expenses for María, but her needs are constantly growing and changing, making it increasingly difficult to manage financially.

They are actively exploring additional resources and programs to help cover María's long-term care. But, now and for the foreseeable future, they are committed to continuing to support her and her five precious children, both financially and emotionally, as best they can.

And here's where we come in.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could help alleviate even just a small amount of the family's stress by donating to this fund that's been organized for María? Your support will make a huge difference as they continue down the difficult road ahead. Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your compassion and generosity as we do what we can to help our fellow Memorial Hermann colleague and his family in their time of need.

Warmly,

Kathryn