You never think something like this will affect your family... My name is Jacquelyn Fortuna, Tony's sister. I am creating this fundraiser in light of everything my family is going through right now.

On Thursday, August 17th, 2023, Tony was having a great day. He had just started his paternity leave so that his partner, Vanessa, could return to work after her maternity leave. He was loving every minute of being at home and being able to watch his son, Gabriel grow. Once Vanessa got home, Tony decided he was going to go workout with his best friend. At around 9:45 p.m., the two were heading home in Tony's car when they were T-boned by a drunk driver. Tony's side of the vehicle, and specifically his car door, took the whole impact. Thankfully both Tony and Izaiah were wearing seatbelts.

Because the door was so crushed, EMS had a very hard time getting Tony out of the car. We waited for hours in the Emergency Room to hear any news. Once Tony arrived at the trauma center, they rushed him into the operating room because he was internally bleeding to death. Around 1 a.m. they took us into a private room to tell us that it would be best for us to begin expecting the worst and that Tony would likely succumb to his injuries. We waited in/near that room all night while Tony underwent multiple intense life-saving surgeries. By God's grace, Tony survived the night and was moved into a critical Intensive Care Unit. It wasn't until later that day were we able to see him, the doctors had him in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator breathing for him and had placed a bolt in his brain to measure brain swelling.

It has been a little over two weeks since the night of his accident. Tony has undergone many surgeries and procedures since, and due to his many extensive injuries, he will have so many more to come. We do not know what things may look like when Tony wakes up. He has suffered an extreme brain injury. We do not know if he will remember us, if he will be able to talk, or walk. We do not know if he will be able to hold his son again.. but we will continue praying that he will keep fighting to come back to us and that God will heal him. Whatever the recovery path may be, we know it will be a long and challenging road ahead.

Very few can imagine the difficult time we are experiencing. My Mom and Vanessa are spending their days at the hospital to talk with doctors and make any decisions. Sadly Vanessa's leave is without pay since she has expensed her days during her maternity leave. One way we can help look after Vanessa and Gabriel during this time is to take the financial burden off of her. Please consider giving what you can as these funds will go towards Tony's medical expenses, legal fees and for the needs of their son. We appreciate all of the love, support and prayers we have received and know you all will continue rallying on with us for Tony.