Victor's Funeral Fund

I am the luckiest woman in the world to have known such a wonderful genuine soul as Victor Hernandez. Right from birth we could tell Victor was more special than most.  At first glance he was a beautiful baby boy with down syndrome, but we knew he was much more than that.  From how happy he always was and how much love he shared with the world it’d be hard to believe his life was no walk in the park. He was a man who took all his hardships and turned them into a reason to be happy, to simply live.  He took fear and turned it funny.  However, at just 18 months old Victor had to have emergency open heart surgery, for his heart was so big at such a young age, it was giving out more than it was getting in.  Doctors were wonderfully shocked how well the surgery went and how steadfast his recovery.  Years went by without any major complications or set back until 2011 when he had surgery to remove a hernia. With each year that passed Victor became more comfortable with doctors and nurses as he was seeing them so often they became family too.

Two years ago we had to extend our family vacation while in Wyomming as Victor was in a lot of pain and having complications breathing.  Doctors were able to make him comfortable enough to see that his gall bladder needed to be removed; the surgery was successful but left him with complications still.  Just six months later Victor went through an intensive tracheotomy surgery due to scar tissue from past surgeries blocking his airway. And for the last two years Victor fought hard and showed us all what true strength really was..  

Yesterday I had to watch my aunt say an unexpected goodbye to her oldest son, Victor Manuel Hernandez Jr, 34, who recieved his angel wings on June 5, 2017. He never met a stranger, in fact you could not even bring him to the local grocery store without at least a few employees coming over to say “hi” or ask for a hug, we couldn’t go for a walk anywhere in town that a passerby would not recognize him.  Victor was our local celebrity known most for his big heart, almond eyes, and contagious smile.  Victor loved all people and all people loved him.  He taught each one of us about true acceptance.

Victor was preceded in death by his father, Victor Manuel Hernandez Sr. and his sister, Jennifer Lynn Hernandez.

After Victor’s sister passed away, his mother, Ivy Hernandez, wanted to ensure she would be there for her children whenever they needed it.  She left her current sales job and opted to work for Turning Point Services. Turning Point is a home health care company that values strengthening family and community connections.  Her job allotted her to be the best mother she could be while providing the best care for a special needs member of the community. This job also made it possible for a modest lifestyle with paid bills.  

With Victor’s passing she not only lost her second child but her job and benefits as well.  Burying one child is unnatural…but now two… Finances are the last thing we wish for her to be worrying about at this time. A direct cremation (the cheapest option) is $3,000, that doesn’t include the viewing service or the celebration of life..  All I ask is that you offer any little help you can as funeral services are very expensive.  We wish to send Victor off with as much love as we welcomed him in…