Urgent help needed for Juan Manuel's transplant

My name is Moana Dherlin. My brother, Manuel Charles Soto-Stevens, and I are fundraising on behalf of my sweet Stepdad, Juan Manuel Soto Barranco. Juan desperately needs a double lung transplant, and we are raising funds to support his surgery. Family and community mean everything to us, and we have been lucky in life to have both in abundance. Although it is difficult to ask this of our family and community, we humbly request your support in our fundraising efforts.

A few years ago, Juan Manuel was diagnosed with a rare genetic rheumatoid and interstitial lung disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for his condition, and he requires an oxygen concentrator 24 hours a day.

A few weeks ago, Juan was given a new shot at life when he was placed on the organ transplant list with high priority. My mom, brother and stepdad are ready to go to UCSF's hospital at a moment's notice when they receive the call for Juan's double lung transplant.

While this is truly a blessing and the best news our family could ever receive, it also comes with a heavy financial burden. Fortunately, most of the surgery costs will be covered by insurance. But the eight weeks following the surgery, including intensive therapy, expensive medicines and care, will not be covered. Additionally, my mother, a high school teacher and the sole household provider will have to take an unpaid leave of absence for eight weeks to provide round-the-clock care for Juan.

The funds needed to make it through this challenging time are as follows:

-$2000 a month in prescription copays for medications for six months = $12000

-$150 a night for a care facility for six weeks (to be paid in advance) = $6000

-Housing and food costs for an eight-week stay in SF near UCSF hospital = $5000

=$23000

We would be grateful If you could share this request with your friends and family. We sincerely appreciate your support during this challenging time.

Love,

Moana and Manuel