Ventilator for Doctor on the Frontlines

Anna Maitland is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Aquiles LaGrave.

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This GoFundMe is on behalf of Dr. Aquiles Iturbe, by his son, Aquiles LaGrave. His words far better describe the situation and need than I could:

"My Dad has been a Doctor in Venezuela for 40 years. Earlier this year I had a frank conversation with him, I recounted all of the emergencies which he has answered over the course of my life. All the lives he’d affected and saved and families he’d comforted.

I told him that he should sit COVID out. I’m not ashamed of asking him - that after a lifetime of service he should sit this one out because this virus is particularly vicious to people over a certain age. He was not pleased and reminded me that after a lifetime of service he was not about to change his stripes or hang up his coat. And he reminded me that none of us know what time is allotted us and that all that’s left is for us to decide how we want to spend our lives.

I’ve not heard from my Dad since he was moved to the ICU at Clinica La Floresta in Caracas, where he is now fighting the same disease he was helping others to survive just 10 days ago. After testing positive for COVID, he has now reached a critical stage where specialized medical equipment could be the difference between him living and dying. I am in urgent need for a Fisher Optiflow+ High Flow Therapy machine for my father in Venezuela and the means to get this to him as quickly as possible.

If you know anything about Venezuela you know how dire the situation is. Your help to fund this lifesaving equipment for a Doctor who has been fighting the pandemic since the start, for a loved father, for a dear friend to so many -would be invaluable. All funds would go to supporting my dad to get the lifesaving equipment and care that he needs. All equipmen will then be donated to the hospital to support others battling the pandemic.

You’ve heard that this pandemic is serious. You’ve heard that there are simple things you can do to the benefit of our communities. You’ve heard of the risks Doctors and Nurses are taking.

But not much has been spoken about the pain and anguish the families of our first line and essential workers at the risks they take for us every day. For every one of them there are entire families along for the ride with our Moms and Dads, bothers and sisters, sons and daughters.

Stay safe, wear a mask, love everyone."