Enrique (Chacho) Gallegos

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[From Veronica...]
My name is Veronica. I am also Enrique's daughter. Anyone who knows my dad knows that he is a great, fun-loving guy who loves his family, his cat, making people laugh, and probably more than anything enjoys his camping time at Woodhaven. He's a big guy with a big heart, but what a lot of people don't know is that he is not doing so well at this very moment. 

My dad was diagnosed with Prostate cancer and kidney failure in 2011. Today he has Stage 4 cancer. Just recently, February 2017, he noticed blood in his urine and was admitted in to the hospital. His 20 day hospital stay consisted of tremendous physical pain, procedures, surgeries, blood transfusions, radiation and chemotherapy. He's now out of the hospital and still in pain, but he will soon begin radiation and chemo. 

Although he has insurance, the co pays from ER visits, procedures, and hospital stays are beginning to accumulate and are becoming overwhelming for him. So far, co-pays are already over $5,000. He is retired, so funds are limited and being used for living expenses. Unfortunately, he is still not out of the woods. Even though we are all optimistic, we know that this is the beginning of a long road of more procedures, therapies, and possibly more hospital stays. This is why our goal is $10,000. 

My mission with this campaign is to raise enough money in order to pay current and future medical bills. It would be nice if he could have peace of mind and enjoy his grandkids Nicky and Baby J), and just focus on being pain free and healthy. 

We appreciate any donation, and thank you friends, family, previous co-workers, and anyone who can donate or share. Please share our story and help me help my dad. 

Thank you for listening to our story! you dad! 
#Cancersucks!Help spread the word!


[From Marc...}
Enrique Gallegos (Chacho to many of us) has been battling prostate cancer for approximately 9 years now. He is now in stage 4, with his most recent prognosis indicating he has had cancer spread to his bladder, liver and other places of his body.  Enrique Gallegos is an intelligent but simple man who has spent the last few years living in a modest conditions, and living with the basics necessities in his home.  A retired Chicago Public Schools employee, he has spent most of his adult years assisting with juvenile truancy and student behavior (conduct and legal) to help guide children that were in the school system.  His life has always been one of helping others, and he has never been a burden to others - though lately he feels as though he has become a burden.  This campaign is being started to help fund his end-of-life car and final arrangements.  He is currently in hospice at Rush University Health Center, which is a short-term care facility while they attempt to get his pain under control.  He collects a very modest retirement, which has, until now, sustained his simple lifestyle.  However, in recent weeks, a review of his finances has determined there is little in the way of money for his long-term care or final arrangements.  We are kindly soliciting assistance for the following:

1) Prayers for him and his family;

2) Visits to sit with him, speak and comfort him while at the hospice center; and

3) Donations to help us reach the goal to provide him with 24-hour care in a healthcare facility that can help him on his final journey home.  A GoFundMe account will be announced soon...