Xavier's Medical Crisis: Support Needed

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

My name is Xavier Rodriguez, and I’m reaching out to share my story in hopes of finding your support during a challenging time. Since late January, I’ve been struggling with severe pain in my right arm, initially thinking it was muscular or related to my tendons. However, after a flight to the Dominican Republic for a consular interview to bring my wife and daughter to the US, the situation worsened dramatically. The pain migrated from my forearm and elbow to my bicep, causing significant swelling apparently due to the air pressure from the flight.

A trip to the hospital revealed a blood clot in a vein in my right arm, and further tests uncovered clogs in my arteries, restricting blood flow to my arm. I underwent emergency surgery to prevent the loss of my arm or even worse, my life. The surgery entailed removing a vein from my left arm for a graft for my right arm, aiming to restore proper circulation. While the operation was mostly successful, complications arose that have complicated my recovery.

Currently, I must remain on blood thinners to allow my right arm to heal, but due to excessive bleeding from my left arm, my doctor had to pause the medication briefly. This unfortunately led to the re-clogging of my arteries, resulting in a second surgery to remove the additional blood clots.

As a barber, with no disability pay or paid time off, my hands are my livelihood. With my right hand currently disabled and still at risk due to this medical emergence, I face a long and uncertain road to recovery. I hoped to be back to work within three months after my first surgery, but after the second procedure, my doctor has estimated that it will take at least 6 months for a full recovery.

The financial burden has become overwhelming. My medical bills have become unmanageable for me after exhausting my savings to pay for my first surgery. I’m now stuck in the Dominican Republic with my family until the Doctor approves me to be able to travel and left in need of funds to pay for remaining medical expenses and to cover basic living expenses while I cannot work. As a father to a 5-month-old baby and an 18-year-old, as well as a husband and son whose family relies on, I humbly ask for your help.

Your support, no matter how small, will go directly toward my medical expenses and helping my family stay afloat during this difficult time. I am incredibly grateful for any assistance you can provide, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering helping my family through this challenging journey.

With gratitude,

Xavier Rodriguez