Fundraiser Launched For West Orange Man: 'Praying For More Years,' Family Says

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Victor Gonzales came to the United States 25 years ago to give his family a better future. Now – after a lifechanging medical diagnosis – his loved ones are “praying for more years” with him and asking for financial aid from the community to help make it happen.

Gonzales’ family recently launched an online fundraiser to benefit the 47-year-old West Orange resident, who has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and may have a life expectancy of two to five years.

As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $9,500. Learn more or make a donation here.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Gonzales’ child, Iveth, laid out the heartbreaking scenario on GoFundMe. Iveth wrote:

“Unfortunately, on my 23rd birthday (January 18), I found out my amazing, hardworking father, Victor Gonzales, 47, who came to this country from Peru 25 years ago to give his family a better future, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. From January 5 to January 21, my father was hospitalized at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston due to being short of breath and having a dry cough. During his stay he was on multiple medications and oxygen and multiple medical exams were conducted. However, one's family worst nightmare, he was diagnosed with an incurable disease called pulmonary fibrosis. This is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As this disease worsens, it makes it difficult for one to even do daily tasks due to being short of breath. As we speak, my father's lung function is already at 50% and is deteriorating slowly. With there being no cure, according from the time of diagnosis, my father has a life expectancy of 2-5 years but with your help and in God's hands, we are praying for more years.”

“Upon leaving the hospital, as per the doctors, he will be on 24/7 oxygen for the rest of his life,” the younger Gonzales wrote. “Due to the fact, both my father and mother are still in the works of fighting for their legal status within this country (meaning they are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident), this makes it extremely hard to access health insurance.”

• See related article: Meet 10 NJ Families Who Had To Crowdfund For Healthcare

“With this said, fortunately enough my family and I were able to rent an oxygen concentrator but could not buy a portable oxygen machine due it being expensive,” Gonzales said. “However, with a portable oxygen concentrator it would make it easier for my father to walk around outside, leave the house for a short period of time to get fresh air with his family. Currently with the oxygen concentrator being at home, my father has been homebound and unfortunately cannot work any longer.”

Gonzales continued:

“Also, with there being no cure to pulmonary fibrosis, as specified by the doctor, there are treatments to slow the progress but no cure. However, as per speaking to my father's doctor, medicine treatment which is only one step we can take, on average costs $5,000-$10,000 MONTHLY. In addition, to prolong my father's life, he is in desperate need of a lung transplant. However, to even begin his medicine treatment or even put him on a lung transplant list, health insurance is required to at least minimize some costs. But with my father's legal status this has made it even more difficult for my family and I. My father's quality of life has been impacted in a blink of an eye. His life has changed and my family and I are doing everything in our power to prolong his life.”

“With your help, we will be able to buy a portable oxygen machine in which he can carry and step foot outside the house,” Gonzales wrote. “We can even begin his medicine treatment in which can also possibly slow down his progress. And in the long run, we can even get him started on more medical exams to hopefully get placed on the lung transplant list to receive one. And pay off any medical debt we acquire.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I am creating this on behalf of my family and I to ask for any help and your prayers for my family during this time,” Gonzales pleaded. “No child ever imagines losing their loved ones so soon. Any donation on your behalf would mean the world to my family and I. With your help and most importantly your prayers I know my father, my family and I will stay strong to overcome this. I love you all and sending all my blessings.”

“May God keep you all safe, healthy and blessed,” Gonzales added. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

See the GoFundMe campaign for Victor Gonzales here.

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