Community Corner
'There Is Very Little Hope': FL Man Struck By Lightning Clings To Life
Julio Cesar Lopez-Vasquez, 27, was working when he was struck by lightning last Tuesday, his brother said.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL— A Florida man recently struck by lightning clings to life in a nearby hospital as his family prays for a miracle.
Julio Cesar Lopez-Vasquez, 27, was working for his family's lawn care business at a property in New Smyrna Beach last Tuesday when he was struck by lightning.
"He suffered extensive damages to his heart, which lead to his heart to stop at the scene for approximately 20 minutes, which limited blood flow throughout his body, which resulted in low oxygen level to his brain and that resulted in extensive organ failure," Pascual Lopez-Vasquez posted to a GoFundMe page he created for his brother.
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Pascula told ClickOrlando.com that doctors have given his brother only a 10 percent chance of survival. Despite the odds, his family is hanging on to what little hope they have.
"Only a miracle can bring him back," Pascula said. "We would appreciate lots of thoughts and prayers at this time."
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According to Pascula, their parents are currently in Mexico and have not been able to be by their son's bedside. He, however, is desperately trying to change that.
"I am trying my best for them to get a Visa and [have them] come here as soon as possible in hopes for him to respond if not to say their last goodbyes," Pascula said.
As of 2 p.m. Friday, Pascula's GoFundMe page for his brother has raised nearly $5,000 from 87 donors. He hopes to raise $25,000 to help pay for his brother's medical expenses and to help bring their parents to Florida to see their son.
To donate to Julio's GoFundMe page, click here.
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