Sudden Aortic Aneurysm & Fight for Life

On November 18, 2025, our loving brother, Noel, was suddenly struck by a catastrophic health crisis. While alone in South Carolina, he felt a sharp, debilitating pain in his back. Thanks to the quick response of the local fire department, he was taken to the nearest hospital before being urgently medevaced to McLeod Regional Hospital.

Since that day, Noel has been fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

A Critical Week on Life Support

Noel's heart and breathing stopped twice after severe fluid buildup. He was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator and life support, where he remains for 7 days.

His body has suffered significant stress, including initial difficulties with kidney function (urine output) and the complex placement of a feeding tube to ensure he gets vital nutrients. We are relieved his kidney function is showing improvement, but the journey is far from over.

On November 25, 2025, our brother underwent the life-saving TEVAR procedure (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) to repair the dissection. The doctors report the surgery went as well as they could expect.

Noel is now in the crucial recovery phase. The medical team is starting to gradually lower the sedation to see if he can breathe independently and eventually be taken off the ventilator.

We, his family, are currently in Guam—nearly 8,000 miles away. Noel is alone in the hospital, fighting this battle without his family's loving presence and support.

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays upon us, airline ticket prices have become prohibitively expensive. We need to fly out immediately to be with him and advocate for his ongoing, complex care.

Our goal is to raise $10,500 to cover these urgent expenses:

Expense Category and Estimated Cost

Emergency Round-Trip Airfare (Guam to SC) = $6800

Essential Lodging/Transportation Near Hospital = $1200

Food and Living Expenses (during initial stay) = $2500

Total Urgent Goal $10,500

We are overwhelmed by the distance and the sudden costs. Every donation brings us one step closer to getting to Noel’s bedside to hold his hand, speak to him, and provide the comfort and emotional support he desperately needs for a full recovery.

Thank you for your thoughts, your generosity, and especially your prayers. Lord willing, we will be with our brother ASAP.

Please share this story with your family and friends—your help in spreading the word is just as valuable as a donation.

-Desiree and Andrea