11/12 New Update:

If you are just joining this regularly schedule program, let me fill you in on what you've missed.

October 4, Sergio had to have emergency surgery because of a Kidney Stone Obstruction. They could not remove or laser the stones because he had a severe infection.

In between here Emily our granddaughter was born. So wondrous and amazing. A blessing for sure.

Sergio was really struggling with his health waiting for the first kidney surgery.

Skip to Nov 7, Sergio had his first surgery of two needed to remove kidney stones. It went well. He's been slower to recover, it's been a lot on his body, but he's doing good.

Then, we are at today. Our dog. Valkyrie, aka our resident goofy dog, also know as the Goat, had to be put to rest. She ate something she should not have and it was obstructing. She had eaten random stuff before, socks, small toys, if it was small and she could beat us to it, she would hork it down. She would puke it up or poop it out, no problem. This time though, it was bad. She was only 3. We are heartbroken and feeling overwhelmed. Our family has been through so much. It's the second pet loss this year, with 3 others happening in the last year and a half.

Today was also Sergio's consult with the surgeon for his parathyroid. We have been waiting for this to happen since 2023. He was like, "Yeah, it needs to come out." Yay!!!

"We are doing it Friday."

While there is a sense of relief, as this surgery will mend many things in his body, it is happening so fast it has us reeling.

The Go Fundme we did helped with the previous surgery copay for the Nov7 procedure. But now we need to figure out how to pay the remaining out of pocket cost. An Angel stepped in to help us with a partial payment to get the surgery done on Friday, but we must still contend with the rest that needs to be paid to meet what the insurance won't cover, and the out of sick day deductions that we will face as Sergio must take more days off to recover from this surgery. This will impact our household income.

Please pray for the Porras house and family. So so much has happened with us, outsiders may think it to be unbelievable that we are weathering so much. We remain faithful that God is on our side, Sergio will be healed, and our lives will get the peace we need.

11/ 8 Update:

Sergio had his surgery yesterday(Friday). It went well and he's resting. His mantra is thank God for pain meds. In a week he will see the Urologist again to remove the stint and see when she will do the surgery on the Right kidney now. That one will be more intensive, as she must go in through his back. Additionally, Wednesday he sees the surgeon for the Parathyroid Tumors removal surgery that will happen soon as well.

That will mean 2 surgeries down, 2 more to go. It's alot for him to go through, but it is the road to being completely well we hope.

We are so grateful for the help that has been given thus far. You all are so wonderful. We will also begin selling food plates and rum cakes to help with future costs. Please continue to share this out, but mostly please continue to pray for Sergio. He is the pillar of our family and our lives are blessed because of him. Thank you and much love.

Mandy

11/6 This Friday, my husband will undergo the first of two major surgeries this year—a kidney surgery that is critical to his health. He also has two tumors on his parathyroid that will require another surgery soon too.

He has been facing many health issues for the last 23 months. It has taken a long time to be able to get to the point where he will now be able to get the surgery/treatment that he needs.

Through it all he has tried very hard not to show how this has affected him. Most days he faces pain, and weakness in his body. Despite that, it has not taken away his smile. He gives every ounce of his energy and heart to his students, to his grandchildren, and his family.

We are facing a financial challenge: a large copay must be paid before the surgery can happen. His health issues have caused him to miss a lot of work, and we’ve struggled to keep up with household expenses. At times we have had to do Food Plate fundraisers to make ends meet. But with the surgery so close, we have not enough time to plan that kind of fundraiser versus doing this.

He is already going to run out of sick days at work, which will mean a pay deduction of his daily rate for each day that he is out.

I have been reluctant to do this, but I’ve created a GoFundMe at the urging of friends who have helped reassure me that this is the best way to help cover the cost of his care.

If you’re able to donate, share, or send prayers, we would be deeply grateful. Every bit of support helps us move forward during this difficult times that will be ahead.

Thank you for your kindness and caring.

With Love,

Mandy