Julio Galvez and his family own our friendly local comic book shop: We Can Be Heroes Comics, in Chatsworth, CA.

Why we love their shop: on top of our regular weekly visits to WCBH for comics, the shop throws events and gatherings to bring the community together. People make friends, laugh, connect and share. The shop brings artists, fans, and creators together. They were even featured on A Toy Store Near You (Apple TV) and were close to getting an Eisner nomination (but Julio was too busy to respond to the email in time-- it's a long story.)

Why we love this family: they're the kindest, most wonderful people. They're funny, they're real, and they're always finding ways to get into our community and make it better & brighter.

Why they need our help: About 2 years ago, Monique Galvez had an unexpected heart attack. It was not great. Lots of other health yuckiness followed, compounded by her kidney disease. She went on the organ donor list, seeking a new heart and a new kidney. There was (and still is) a lot of treatment/recovery/etc. Monique had to retire early from her 20+ years of work with LAUSD as an educator & administrator. Did I mention they have two small sons? And own a small business? And had to move shop locations in the middle of all of this? (the "not responding to an Eisner email" thing makes more sense now.)

Cut to: about 2 weeks ago, Monique's name came up on the donor list. They had found her a shiny new heart! And a new kidney too! Monique had to get to the hospital for surgery ASAP.

Quickly coordinating the 2 small kids, their small business, and the stress that comes with getting a sudden heart transplant and a kidney transplant at the same time (which is really good news but also --eep!) Monique headed to the hospital. And after something like 17hrs of surgery--- they were a success! Monique has a new heart and kidney! Hooray!

As she's finally returning home to recover, realities are setting in. One of which being: getting a heart and kidney transplant IS REALLY REALLY EXPENSIVE. We're talking life changing-ly expensive. I made this fundraiser for $20K because I don't even know where to begin.

We love this family. They have done so much good for our community, for the comic book, hobbyist & trading card community, and for our family, personally. We want to give back. We want to get behind them during this crazy, unknown time and help push.

Please donate whatever you can -- even a dollar or two can add up! And thank you.

Reasons to consider donating a few bucks:

-You're thankful there's people like them out there; people who are actively making the world around them a better place.

-you've shopped at WCBH, or follow it on IG, or high-fived them at a convention, and therefore know how awesome they are.

-you've enjoyed The We CON Be Heroes/BlockFest in Chatworth, Comics & Cocktails, Industry Night, 2Guys1Box, The Wheel O' Slab, etc.

-You know their sweet sons, and how stressful this must be, and want to help relieve some of that stress.

-You are Bruce Wayne and have been looking for a good cause to donate millions to.

-We're asking nicely (pretty please)

Thanks friends. I've never made a GoFundMe before. But this family really needs our help. And I hope we can show up for them! WE CAN BE HEROES (GET IT!?)

-Bethany, Mike & Leo Barton! :)