Support Pastor Carlos Gerena's Alzheimer's Care

In 2017, Pastor Carlos Gerena had his first stroke followed by multiple smaller strokes and most recently approx. 6 weeks ago. Pastor Carlos Gerena just turned 66 years old and according to his Neurologist his brain has the appearance of that of a 90 year old. The constant strokes lead him to initially have Vascular Dementia but with a lot of testing and assessments his doctors came to the conclusion that what he has is Alzheimer's as his brain has significantly shrunk. Carlos Gerena is severely cognitively impaired and this last stroke has left him uncoordinated. For the past 8 years, we have seen every change and level of decline in him which is so difficult to watch. Alzheimer's is such a complex disease that takes away your memories and dreams. Our hearts truly ache as we continue this journey with Carlos. We work very hard at ensuring that he has the best quality of life but at this time, Pastor Carlos is requiring a higher level of care that we just can't provide without some financial assistance. Alzheimer's disease is a very costly disease as it is progressive and requiring total assistance with care towards the end stage. In the past, Pastor Carlos has worked so closely with so many of you Pastors, Churches and Leaders. He worked in the Latin American Council in the men's ministry and then their President for more than 25 years and he was so proud of that. That was such an achievement that he treasured. These days, he hardly has recollection of that. The memory of that has gone into an abyss of lost memories. He has forgotten but we have not. You and I remember and we can continue remembering for him. He worked with such devotion and love. I saw him up close do the work and never complain. His desire was to serve. He served with integrity, respectfulness and soft spoken grace which was an attribute that characterized him. He loved you all, hugged you all and called you, friend. As this disease progresses, our desire is for Carlos to have the best dignified life possible until that day when the Lord calls him home. To all that crossed paths with him we are asking for your prayers, love, compassion and support as it is very much needed. If you have never crossed paths with him but feel in your heart to contribute and be supportive, we will forever be grateful and you will surely be blessed. If Carlos could thank you all, I'm sure he would. So on his behalf, we his family thank you and appreciate all your help. May the Lord Bless you abundantly. God Bless you all!!!

En el 2017, el Pastor Carlos Gerena tuvo el primer infarto cerebral seguido por multiples infartos mas pequeños, y el mas reciente hacen aproximadamente unas 6 semanas atras. El Pastor Carlos acaba de cumplir sus 66 años y de acuerdo a su Neurologo su cerebro tiene la apariencia de una persona de 90 años. Los infartos continuos inicialmente lo llevo a tener Dementia Vascular pero con algunos exames y evaluaciones los medicos llegaron a la conclusion que lo que realmente tiene es Alzheimer's ya que su cerebro se a encogido significativamente. Carlos Gerena esta severamente impedido cognitivamente y este ultimo infarto lo ha dejado discordinado. Por los ultimo 8 años hemos visto cada cambio y nivel de declino en el que es tan dificil presenciar. El mal de Alzheimer's es una enfermedad compleja que roba tus memorias y tus sueños. Nuestros corazones duelen mientras continuamos esta jornada con Carlos. Trabajamos fuertemente en asegurarnos que el tenga la mejor calidad de vida pero en este momento el Pastor Carlos requiere un nivel de cuidado mas alto que no podemos proveer sin ayuda financiera. El mal de Alzheimer;s es una enfermedad muy costosa ya que es progresiva y requiriendo un cuidado total en la etapa final. En el pasado el pasado, el Pastor Carlos Gerena trabajo muy de cerca con muchos ustedes Pastores, Iglesias y Lideres. Trabajo en el Concilio Latinoamericano en el ministerio de los Caballeros y luego su Presidente por mas de 25 años y el estaba muy agradecido por esa oportunidad. Fue un logro que el atesoro grandemente. En estos dias, no le queda mucho recordatorio de esto. Pero Tu y Yo nos recordamos y podemos seguir recordando esto por el. Trabajo con tanta devocion y amor. Vi muy de cerca como trabajaba y con ninguna queja. Su deseo era servir. Sirvio con integridad, con respeto y con su suave voz que era un atributo que lo caracterizaba. A todos amo, a todos abrazo y los llamo amigos. Mientras esta enfermedad va progresando, nuestro deseo es que Carlos tengo una vida digna hasta que el dia en que Dios los llame a Su presencia. A todos aquellos que cruzaron caminos con el les pedimos sus oraciones, amor, compasion y soporte ya que es tan necesaria. Si usted nunca cruzo caminos con el pero sientes en tu corazon contribuir y ser un soporte, por siempre estaremos agradecidos y seras muy bendecido. Si Carlos pudiera darles las gracias de seguro lo haria. Asi que departe de el, su famila les da las gracias, y apreciamos su ayuda. Que el Senor los bendiga abundantemente. Dios los Bendiga a todos!!!