Family in need of help

Hello,

My name is Shane, It has recently been brought to my attention that one of our loved ones and his family need our support. Andrew Moniz, and his girlfriend, Angela Gates, her two daughters Lillian and Isabelle, they have had a devastating year both emotionally and financially. I have known Andy for the better part of 10 years now and he was someone I never expected to have in my life. Andrew helped me without knowing me at all get through a tough time in my life and has not once left it since. He was a stranger who helped me rebuild my life and I can never thank him enough for it. Its his turn for help, they have spent the better part of this year overcoming new obstacles, and doing their best to survive. Our goal is to help them overcome the next few steps, while they attempt to find a new home and settle into a new life.

On January 18th, 2023 - While he was at work, Andy's vision failed. Andy was brought to Leominster Hospital, where Angela sat by his side. The doctors at Leominster did many tests, before determining his retina had detached, and would need to see a specialist. Andy had his first appointment the eye specialist and She scheduled his emergency surgery for 10 days later. On January 26th, 2023, went for his retinal reattachment surgery. Upon the completion of his surgery, the surgeon was able to clean the blood out of the back of his eye and get his retina to lay flat. They were hopeful that some of Andy's vision would return.

At Andy's two week follow up, he let the doctor know he was experiencing major pain in his eye that would cause him to fall. She recommended he take tylenol. It did not help, and they called the doctor again. Andy went in on February 7th, where she said that she could not see an issue, but would send him to the Emergency Dept for a CT, and would call ahead. Andy went to the E.D. but would quickly find out that she did not call ahead. He sat in the waiting room from 4pm until 10am, the next day, in a wheelchair, because they thought he was there for a headache. They drew his labs finally and gave him a CT. All came back clear. He finally went home on February 8th after 1pm.

Later that evening, Angela was putting in Andys eye drops, and realized he had liquid bubbles forming in the bottom of his eye. On Thursday February 9th, Angela called the doctor, because the bubbles were getting larger. She refused to see Andy, stating the liquid pockets in the bottom of his eye were normal.

On Friday, February 10th, 2023 Angela brought Andy to Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. Once being seen in Boston, there were major findings about what was wrong with the care that Andy received. The tylenol that was suggested for pain, was causing Andy's liver function to drastically drop. He was told immediately to stop taking it. The fluid build up in the bottom of his eye was a direct result of the oil ball being overfilled when placed inside Andy's eye. The doctor did not clear any blood to help the retina reattach. Andy was told that he would be out of work until minimally April 2nd, and require more surgery. He was then scheduled to have appointments bi-weekly that Angela would have to take him to. These appointments generally last 3 hours, on top of the hour and a half drive in and home. It would cause Angela to lose time at work, or have to try and work from a very busy hospital.

With all this happening life started to take some major hits. Andy who has worked in the plumbing and heating field since 15 years old was no longer able to work. This caused a major blow to his character and who he was. Andy not only had to give up his career, his lively hood and being a provider but his passions as well. Andy spent hours giving time to Youth sports, charities and also being the a person you can count on to be there when you needed it.

Angela also had to change her life, had to start a new job and work from home and also leave her second job to be able to help Andy and their family get through this new challenges.

At the end of July, Andy's short term disability would come to an end, and they would apply for his long term disability. After filling out the initial paperwork, Angela and Andy decided it was time to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Andy’s long term disability was denied at the end of August as it was determined that he had issues with his eyes prior to him beginning his employment at his last job. They would also learn that Andy’s vision would likely never return after his second failed surgery. Since his LTD was denied, they have been surviving off of Angela's income. His SSDI has not been approved as of today - it is currently being held in an independent medical review. They have made calls to the commission of the blind, and SSDI weekly to try and push it faster, however, the medical review takes months, and it is currently only 27% complete.

The house that Andy and Angela currently live in, belongs to Andy and his soon to be ex-wife. They have been going through a divorce for a few years. Angela and Andy had to make a decision by December 1st if they would keep the house, or sell it. Because Andy does not have an income, and the house will not qualify for an FHA loan, it can not be refinanced into Angela’s name. So now they must find a new house to fit their needs.

Andy and Angela have always taken care of those in their lives. Andy’s love and generosity are felt by all of those who have the pleasure of knowing him. Angela’s willingness to drop everything to help someone in need, even if it means putting herself last. Angela and Andy are not the kind of people to ask for help. I have personally seen them pick up every extra shift during a tough situation, and really buckle down to make ends meet. However, the situations they have faced this past year, have shown that no amount of hard work, positivity, patience and follow up will triumph over the hurdles they have faced. Right now, they need support from family and friends.

This letter only explains the major life events for them this year. But this letter can also show how we can aid the Moniz / Gates family. If you have finances that you can spare, please donate to their cause or share this page. The proceeds will go to the Moniz / Gates family, in efforts to pay past due bills and costs for a new house and support for their daily needs.

Whether it is feasible for you and your family to donate to them or not, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.