In June 2022, at just 49 years old, Gerardo (lovingly known as Toñito) suffered a heart attack. Since then, he has been courageously battling heart failure. His journey has been filled with ups and downs — countless medication changes, difficult recoveries, and multiple hospitalizations.

Last month, in September 2025, Gerardo’s condition worsened. He is now hospitalized as we wait and pray for a donor heart to become available. This has been an incredibly emotional and challenging time for us, but through it all, I have remained by his side. I know how much comfort my presence brings him during the hardest moments, and there is no place I would rather be.

Unfortunately, being his caretaker has come with heavy financial burdens. The daily costs of food, gas, parking, and time away from work add up quickly. Looking ahead, there will also be long-term expenses once Gerardo receives his transplant — weekly clinic visits, medications, and the supplies he will need for his recovery and everyday life. Since I will not be able to work after his surgery, we are facing these challenges with great uncertainty.

This fundraiser was created to help ease some of these financial pressures so I can continue to focus on what matters most: Gerardo’s healing and recovery. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for us.

Please keep Toño and me in your prayers, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, support, and generosity during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Mai-Ling Velazquez