It is with heavy hearts and great faith that we are reaching out for help to support Damian Duarte and his family (Annette Somilleda and Oscar) during this difficult time. After a brief illness over Christmas time, Damian’s symptoms prompted an ER visit that caused concern where he, thankfully, was transferred to Stanford Children’s hospital. His illness progressed quickly and caused him to have serious neurological defects. Damian began having seizures and lost the ability to walk or move as he has no strength or control of his limbs. He has also lost vision to his right eye. His condition appears to be rare as he was first diagnosed with ADEM and his team is now leaning toward MOGAD. They are very similar in nature and their treatments are also similar. Damian suffers from a severe demylenating spinal cord injury, inflammation in his brain and right optic nerve. Nevertheless, his team is working diligently to help him as he faces a long recovery. When Damian’s medical treatment is complete, he will be discharged to a rehabilitation facility for intense therapy to regain strength and function. Damian is a smart and loving young boy. Both Annette and Oscar have not left his side and assure him they will stay with him until he is able to come home and play with his doggie Max and his Christmas presents. The cost of this can get overwhelming and we are reaching out for your help.

We are asking for your support through prayers, donation or sharing this page. Any size contribution will ease Damian’s families burden as he continues through his recovery. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, kindness and generosity.

God bless you..

Natalie Gonzalez and Loraine Fuentes-Correa