Robert Cardosa Memorial Fund
Donation protected
My dad was suddenly and tragically taken from us on September 20th, 2018. He had suffered what doctors described as a catastrophic stroke on the 15th with no prior symptoms or warnings -- a "one in a million" kind of stroke. Incredible doctors and nurses tried everything they could to save him, immediately treating him with medicine to break up the blood clot in his brain and, when that failed, surgical removal. At this point, there had certainly been severe brain damage, but how extensively it would affect him remained to be seen.
Overnight, dad took a turn for the worse. His brain began to swell. Part of his skull was removed in hopes that would accommodate for the swelling enough that there wouldn't be any fatal damage, but this was obviously not the case. The swelling had just about reached his brain stem, and the only brain activity he had left was the brain's base-level survival instincts. On September 20th, dad was officially brain-dead, and his vital functions were soon to follow.
Knowing it was what dad would have wanted, and because the rest of his body was so healthy, he made for an excellent organ donor.
So far, 4 people have received my dad's organs. Although it pains us greatly that he is no longer with us, to know that dad can continue helping others just as he did in life is the sole light in this dark tunnel.
Family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and even strangers have been so kind to us during this difficult time. We appreciate the support more than words can describe.
My dad's main concern was always his family. He worked hard to support my mom, myself, and my autistic younger brother, acting as the main source of our family's income. Unfortunately, now that he is gone we need some help in order to pay bills and other basic living expenses.
Any donation, no matter how small is greatly appreciated.
Overnight, dad took a turn for the worse. His brain began to swell. Part of his skull was removed in hopes that would accommodate for the swelling enough that there wouldn't be any fatal damage, but this was obviously not the case. The swelling had just about reached his brain stem, and the only brain activity he had left was the brain's base-level survival instincts. On September 20th, dad was officially brain-dead, and his vital functions were soon to follow.
Knowing it was what dad would have wanted, and because the rest of his body was so healthy, he made for an excellent organ donor.
So far, 4 people have received my dad's organs. Although it pains us greatly that he is no longer with us, to know that dad can continue helping others just as he did in life is the sole light in this dark tunnel.
Family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and even strangers have been so kind to us during this difficult time. We appreciate the support more than words can describe.
My dad's main concern was always his family. He worked hard to support my mom, myself, and my autistic younger brother, acting as the main source of our family's income. Unfortunately, now that he is gone we need some help in order to pay bills and other basic living expenses.
Any donation, no matter how small is greatly appreciated.
Organizer
Danielle Cardosa
Organizer
Ridgefield, CT
