My name is Alessandro, and I created this GoFundMe for my longtime dear friend Raul Pereira. Raul is a truly great person and has suffered an unexpected tragic and catastrophic medical problem. He had a debilitating hemorrhagic stroke at age 49. Nothing anyone could ever expect at this age.

A number of other things complicate his situation. Raul’s longtime girlfriend was diagnosed with early-onset, rapidly progressing dementia late last year. She was forced to move from Philadelphia to Florida so as to have 24 hour care from family. Raul has sent money, gift cards, and gifts to them to help with her care .

Raul’s mother lives in Nicaragua, and he sends money to her every week to help support her. He does this all while paying off his dental school loans.

Raul is a very private person when it comes to his financial situation. He has basic medical insurance, but nothing special or fancy. We don’t know if he has disability insurance, and we don’t believe he does as he’s never mentioned it. He works every day and rarely takes any kind of vacation. And now, he won’t be able to work for a very long time, if ever again.

I know the goal for this GoFundMe is lofty, but I believe his needs will be at least this amount, and quite possibly more than this.

Raul is someone who doesn’t hesitate to help others at the drop of the proverbial hat. Let’s do the same for him.