Hello! My name is Ilse Mojarro and on December 22, 2025, our family experienced one of the most frightening moments of our lives when my dad underwent open heart surgery also known as a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

Nothing truly prepares you to hear that someone you love someone who has always been so strong and dependable is facing something so challenging. In an instant, everything slowed down and all that really mattered was hoping, praying and waiting for good news…

My dad has always been the backbone of our family. He’s the one who works tirelessly, shows up no matter how tired he is and puts everyone else’s needs before his own. He’s the kind of person who gives without expecting anything in return and who makes sure his family feels safe and supported. Watching him go through this has been incredibly difficult, especially knowing how much he usually tries to carry on his own.

The hours leading up to surgery were filled with fear and uncertainty. Sitting in the hospital, surrounded by beeping machines and quiet hallways. We were reminded of how fragile life can be. When we finally heard that the surgery was over, the relief was overwhelming but we also knew this was just the beginning of a long road ahead.

Recovery from open-heart surgery is not easy. It requires time, patience and constant care. My dad now faces weeks and months of healing, follow-up appointments, medications and physical limitations that make everyday tasks challenging. On top of the emotional stress of seeing him in pain, our family is now facing the financial weight that comes with a major medical event.

Medical bills, hospital stays, prescriptions, rehabilitation and months without work have quickly added up expenses and stress. Like many families, we were not prepared for how overwhelming these expenses would be. Our biggest hope right now is to focus fully on my dad’s recovery rehab and physical therapy. So that he has the opportunity to regain his strength and health back without the constant worry of how we’re going to manage financially. His worries have increased after seeing all the medical bills and expenses needed to recover from both surgery and post-recovery.

His first of many physical therapy appointments is tomorrow February 3, 2026. Physical therapy alone is close to a total of about $9,000-$10,00 in physical therapy expenses… that is $250 per visit 2x/week for 5 months.

His time away from work has been a challenge due to his lack of income.

If you are able to donate any amount, no matter how small, it will make a huge difference. It will also help ease the financial burden and mental stress during this difficult time.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser, link or keeping my dad in your thoughts and prayers is just as meaningful to us. We are endlessly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who took such great care of my dad and helped him through this lifesaving surgery. We are also thankful for every message, prayer and act of kindness we’ve already received and continue to receive. The love and support from friends, family and even strangers have meant more than we can ever express.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and we hope you will continue to be a part of my dad’s healing journey. Your compassion and kindness remind us that even in the hardest moments in life, we are not alone… and for that we are forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Mojarro Family