Bobi's Medical Fund

My brother, Bobi, was shot on the streets of Sofia, the weekend before Valentine's day. Almost 40 years old, and living on his small earnings as a taxi driver, he now lay with his belly wide open in intensive care under an induced coma while the doctors are attempting to save his life. They can't stitch him up because of bleeding and complications. 

According to the police, a masked "customer" opened the passenger door of the taxi and shot 5 bullets into my brother while he was sitting behind the steering wheel. Two bullets aimed at his heart, but his arm was on the way, so they only cut through the skin and wounded his right arm. The other three bullets shot through his abdominal cavity and right through his liver, spleen, pancreas, and colon. The damage is extensive. His spleen has been removed. Portions of his intestines have been removed. The fight is now for his pancreas, which may have to be removed as well. 

The doctors said that there is a "sliver" of hope that he may survive. The Bulgarian community has responded immediately. His many friends have flooded the hospital donating blood. But Bulgaria is a poor country. There is only so much that can be done locally. 

The medical bills will be excruciatingly high. I've already given my mother a substantial amount to cover expenses for certain medications that he needs (hemoglobin shot and others) that the hospital does not provide. It will only get worse before it gets better. 

If he lives, his recovery will be long and expensive. He has no savings and will have no means of earning money. If he dies, we still have to pay the medical bills and for his funeral. 

It is with a grave heart that I am writing this asking for help. I am not sure which why things will go at this point. I intend to update everyone on the situation. I only know that he was helpful and a good friend to many. He struggled to figure life in Bulgaria with all of its contradictions and dead ends one can imagine in a third world country infested with mafia and corruption. 

At the end of the day, no one deserves to be shot right where they work. No one deserves what happened to him, and as many in Bulgaria would agree, he deserves it even less. His friends are heartbroken. We, the family, are heartbroken.  The story has been all over the national news in Bulgaria. The neighbors are in disbelief. He will have tons of emotional support if he makes it. I just have figure out the financial end to make sure he'll be able to afford the care he needs to heal and recover. 

The good news is that American dollars go a long way in Bulgaria as the standard of living is very different. So, $15000 will take care of a lot! 

I sincerely appreciate all the help we can get. Every single dollar helps. 

Hopeful,
Valentina