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I was born and raised in Maracay, Venezuela, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquakes on Wednesday, June 24th. Having immigrated to the US as a 10-year-old, I know firsthand how difficult daily life can be in my home country. Even before this catastrophe, people faced immense challenges, and now, many have lost everything—including loved ones. The devastation has left families without homes, food, clean water, and basic necessities, making the struggle to survive even more overwhelming. 
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 My heart aches for the people of Venezuela, and I want to do everything I can to help. Through this fundraiser, I will distribute every dollar raised to vetted charities in Venezuela that are working tirelessly to provide immediate relief. The funds will go toward food, drinking water, clothing, shelter, medications, and anything else people may need during this horrendous tragedy. I am currently considering donating all proceeds to one of the following organizations: UN Crisis Relief, Convoy of Hope, or World Vision. Once I have selected the best option, I will update everyone for full transparency. I wanted to get this fundraiser started without delay, so your support can begin making a difference as soon as possible. 
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 I ask that you please contribute as much as you can. Every little bit helps—even a dollar. I have never asked for help or donations before, but this tragedy hit home and it hit hard. Your support will make a real difference for families struggling to rebuild their lives. Thank you for joining me in helping the people of Venezuela during this critical time.

Earthquake Relief for Venezuela

Edward Lopez

<div>This request is for Lorenzo Lopez, age 15, who recently suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury and is currently in post-surgery recovery with paralysis from the lumbar down.
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<div><strong>Updates on Lorenzo's progress may be found at </strong><a href="https://www.caringbridge.org/site/b6edd84f-538f-11ef-a363-e7f4f1bb0940?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_content=copylink_leftmenu_php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>this CaringBridge link</strong></a><strong>.</strong>
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<div><strong>Who is Lorenzo?</strong> Lorenzo has lived in Asheville since age 4. He is now a rising junior at Nesbitt Discovery Academy where he studies STEM and liberal arts. He plays basketball for the varsity team at Enka High School and the 16U club team at Thrills Skills Academy. He loves to watch and play sports of all kinds. He often walks his own clubs on the golf course and plays keeper for his Dad in soccer workouts.
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<div>He also loves cars and has become a walking encyclopedia of specs for dozens if not hundreds of makes and models. If you took a car ride with him around town, he would point out interesting cars along the way and tell you all about them.
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<div>His favorite YouTubers are Good Good Golf, Dude Perfect, and Whistling Diesel. With his family he attends Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School, where he volunteers and was 8th grade class valedictorian.
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<div>He loves hip hop especially Rod Wave and has recently taken on a country habit thanks to his younger sister Ivana's influence -- although he's not yet on board with Taylor Swift! :)
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<div>He has always loved Ivana with hugs, teaching, and protection from all things including her epilepsy. He is a gentle spirit, and his strength runs deeply beneath the surface. Lorenzo prays daily and walks with the grace of God. He turns 16 on Saturday, Aug. 10.
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<div><strong>How is Lorenzo doing?</strong> He is in good spirits and is handling the pain and difficulty with grace. But it's SO hard for him, and he has a lot of questions about why this is happening to him and what life is going to be like from here. Thankfully he also has tons of hope. He is watching the Olympics and keeping up with sport and cars on his phone.
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<div><strong>What is Lorenzo facing?</strong> After surgery it's about recovering from the immediate trauma and getting fit enough for the long trip back from Wichita to North Carolina. He will enter an inpatient spine rehab center somewhere, and this will be his new home for at least several months. He will wear a TLSO back brace basically full time. Thankfully he suffered no other injuries except a broken finger, so he has all his athleticism and strength for the journey.
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<div><strong>Where is Lorenzo going?</strong> With the love and support of his family, church, teammates, coaches, and extended network of friends all over the country, Lorenzo believes that he is going to be a success story. He is going to beat this thing! He wants to do the hard work every day needed to get him back to school next year, back to walking and getting fit again, and eventually back to playing basketball with his beloved teammates and coaches. WE BELIEVE IN HIM!!! Hope is our biggest asset in completing this arduous journey.
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<div><strong>What are our needs?</strong> Financially this is a major ordeal of still unknown proportion. We are out of state and out of network. Hopefully our insurance company shows us grace. But inevitably we will have uncovered expenses that include emergency and long distance air transport, construction costs to fit our home to his needs, travel and lodging costs for his parents, and uncovered medical expenses in general. His family is so grateful for all of you taking the time to read his story and contribute in any way you can. As much as your financial contributions will help, so do your positive thoughts, energies, and prayers. Please continue sending this as well. Lorenzo is strong, but he will need this support for the long journey.
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<div><strong>We thank our good friends Dr. Shawn Miller from Arlington, TX and Steve Dieterichs from Granbury, TX for setting this page up and adding this note:</strong>
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<div>Our dear friends, Dr. Ed Lopez &amp; Dr. Jamie Lopez, received the devastating news recently that their teenage son, Lorenzo, has suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a ATV accident that has currently left him unable to walk. Though we don't know how lasting this will be yet, we do know that Lorenzo is a strong and courageous young man that is loved by a large family and legions of friends who will be there to help him rehabilitate through this.
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<div>There is undoubtedly going to be a long and arduous fight ahead that involves time in therapy, rehab, and travel for the family, in order to access the best facilities and specialists available for Lorenzo's recovery.
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<div><strong>The burden faced by the Lopez family will far exceed the initial goal, so we hope to meet and surpass it by Sept. 1, 2024. Airline miles may also be donated by contacting Bob Lawson via messaging this GoFundMe campaign.</strong>
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Support Lorenzo's Journey to Overcome Spinal Injury

Edward Lopez

Edward Lopez

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