Dear friends and family of the Valencia family, this page is set up to help offset the cost of medical expenses for Luis Valencia and his family. Luis was born full term at Med Star Washington Hospital in Washington, DC on January 15, 2019. Luis went home with his family for one month until they started seeing signs and symptoms that included turning blue, feeling lethargic and loss of appetite. His family took him to the emergency room and the doctors informed them that he had an infection in his lungs. As time progressed and they were getting ready to discharge him the doctors noticed that he needed more oxygen support and was showing signs of hypothermia. Due to this, he was admitted to Children’s National Medical Center for a month before being discharged home. However, Luis’ family found themselves back in the hospital two weeks later because he needed surgery on his jaw. The doctors gave Luis’ family two choices; Luis could either have the surgery or receive a tracheostomy which is a procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck in order to place a tube into his windpipe. The tube allows air to enter the lungs. Luis’ family chose for the surgery and after the surgery Luis was extubated and intubated many times due to complications. Finally he got extubated for the last time but his lungs were collapsing so he needed the tracheostomy or else doctors said he would have a heart attack. Luis has now been transferred to The Hospital for Sick Children, a pediatric rehabilitation hospital that provides care for children who are leaving a traditional hospital and aren’t quite ready to be cared for at home. Luis’ family is going through a lot right now juggling their time between being at the hospital, spending time at home with their other children and maintaining an income to support their family. Luis’ mother had to quit her job at Busboys and Poets, therefore Luis’ father has to work full time to support the family. If you would like to assist with their financial burden, any donation would be greatly appreciated. The Valencia family appreciates your love, support and prayers throughout this hard time.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
