Help Daniel Orduno with medical expenses

Hello Everyone,

I'm Morgan Verner (Orduno), and I'm reaching out on behalf of my parents, Daniel and Tina Orduno. Most people are unaware of our ongoing struggle, but I want to share our story with you. Last year, my father, Daniel, received a devastating second diagnosis of prostate cancer, following nearly nine years of remission. He bravely underwent treatment, and initially, the prognosis seemed promising. However, in the six months following his treatment, he faced numerous complications and setbacks in his health, enduring several corrective procedures with minimal improvement.

At the start of this year, we began noticing alarming changes in my dad's condition. His ability to walk deteriorated, and he became increasingly forgetful. These issues intensified, and he started experiencing frequent falls, sometimes on a daily basis. In March, he had to take a leave from work while we desperately sought answers regarding his health. Despite undergoing numerous local tests, we remained in the dark about his condition. During this period, his physical and mental capacities declined significantly. Eventually, we received a referral to UCSF, where they conducted their own battery of tests, leading to a breakthrough in our search for answers.

My dad was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hydrocephalus, a condition that affects both physical and mental cognitive abilities. It is notoriously challenging to diagnose and treat. In August, he returned to UCSF for brain surgery to insert a shunt, aimed at regulating and draining the excess fluid from his brain. During his recovery, he suffered a severe seizure for which the cause remains unknown. Fortunately, he seemed to recover without any lasting effects but was no longer able to drive and had to take daily epilepsy medication.

While we witnessed physical improvements following the shunt surgery, there was no discernible progress in his mental state. A few weeks later, we became concerned about a possible infection in the incision on his head, leading to a course of antibiotics. Despite experiencing significant head pain, he was assured this was normal. Fast forward to last week, and my family noticed substantial changes in my dad's mental state. He struggled to engage in conversations, experienced severe forgetfulness, and failed to recognize when he left doors, cupboards, and more wide open. After a few days of this concerning behavior, we decided he needed immediate medical attention. My mom rushed him to the ER at Enloe, where they discovered an abscess on the frontal lobe of his brain, which could be responsible for his current symptoms. Currently, he is back at UCSF, preparing for another brain surgery to remove both the shunt and the abscess. The timeline for his return home remains uncertain. This setback is significant, as it could potentially lead to a resurgence of his hydrocephalus symptoms, and there's no guarantee that removing the abscess will reverse any damage to his frontal lobe.

As you can imagine, being off work for nearly seven months and facing the uncertainty of disability have placed a significant financial strain on my parents. They are not ones to ask for help, so I'm reaching out on their behalf. My mom has dedicated substantial time off work to support my dad throughout these challenging months. She is currently by his side at UCSF, with no clarity on when they will be able to return home. We are uncertain about our future and my dad's chances of making a full recovery. I'm humbly requesting donations to help my parents navigate these turbulent times. My hope is to make it easier for my mom to be with my dad during his ongoing medical journey. Your support, in any form, is greatly appreciated, and we welcome your love, prayers, and positive vibes during this trying period. To those who have already reached out, please know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Morgan, Whitney, Daniel, and Tina