For the past four years, my father Vicente Castro (VJ) has been living with heart and lung failure. He has been hospitalized at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto for the last three months awaiting a heart and lung transplant, and was placed on life support as of 4/23. He was starting to lose hope until 4/28, when he received the best news we could ask for—a match was found for both organs. VJ underwent a successful 12-hour surgery and is currently back in the ICU, beginning his long journey to recovery.

As his primary caregiver, I have had to put my work on hold and travel five hours back and forth from home to be by his side. The costs of travel, hotels, and everyday bills are quickly adding up, making it difficult to focus on what matters most—his recovery.

VJ is a loving, hardworking, and kind man who has always put others before himself. He has three kids and two grandkids who have been waiting for this moment for the last four years. Our family is so grateful for this second chance, but we are facing significant financial challenges as we try to keep a place for him to return home and ensure he can have family by his side during this critical time.

Support from this fundraiser would mean everything to us. We depend on all the help we can get to keep our family together and focused on VJ’s healing. Any support you can give will help us cover travel, hotel, and household expenses, and allow us to be there for him every step of the way. Thank you for considering helping our family during this journey.