Rafael Muñoz, my brother-in-law, traveled from Chile to the U.S. with my sister for a much-needed break after spending a year caring for our mother. Just days into their visit, Rafael developed a severe headache and dangerously high fever. He was rushed to the emergency room, where extensive tests revealed a life-threatening brain abscess caused by a bacterial infection. Within hours, Rafael underwent emergency brain surgery to remove the abscess, which had already caused brain damage resulting in peripheral vision loss. The doctors made it clear that without immediate intervention, he was facing a life-or-death situation. His surgeon explained that without surgery, he would not have survived more than three days.

Rafael spent four days in the hospital, two of them in the ICU, and now faces a long road to recovery. He completed six weeks of intravenous antibiotic treatment through a PICC line, which required him to remain in the U.S. far longer than planned. The treatment involved twice-daily infusions, frequent lab work, and skilled nurse visits. Because Rafael and my sister did not have travel insurance, they became responsible for all medical expenses, which quickly became overwhelming. Hospital bills—including CAT scans, MRIs, bloodwork, and specialist visits—are separate from the out-of-pocket costs for medication, lab work, and nursing care. With Rafael’s extended stay in the U.S. for treatment, he was unable to work and had no source of income.

The initial fundraiser is focused on covering immediate expenses and supplementing the loss of income, as the estimated costs for hospitalization, surgery, and exams have already reached around $100,000, with final bills still pending.

Now, as they prepare to return to Chile after completing the intravenous antibiotics and follow-up doctor visits, Rafael continues to recover and adjust to his vision loss, which might be permanent. This will affect their daily life, as he cannot drive and will need more assistance, at least in the short term. He hopes to enter treatment for rehabilitation once he’s home and to get cleared to work again. I created this fundraiser to help them cover their out-of-pocket medical expenses and supplement their income during this transition period.

I am deeply grateful to Rafael and my sister for their selflessness and dedication — they welcomed our mom into their home in Chile and cared for her with love and patience. Now I want to do everything I can to support them as they rebuild after this unexpected, life-changing journey.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and help Rafael focus on healing with one less worry.
Versión en español más abajo en update