Jaime's Fight to Live

For those who don't know, this is my dad, Jaime Serrano. He was first diagnosed with COVID-19 Jan. 3rd. He dealt with mild symptoms at home but then went into IVCH a few days later because his oxygen level dropped to 80. There he continued to get worse, so he was then transferred to  OSF Saint Francis in Peoria, IL where he has been since. He no longer has COVID but the virus has done so much damage to his lungs that they are now at a necrotic state (dead lungs). He is on a ventilator but also on this life support machine called ECMO. ECMO is used as a temporary life support when patients will either benefit and heal or go from ECMO to transplant. The plan is to find a transplant center who will accept my dad as a possible candidate since a lung transplant is his only hope left. Doctors reached out to 4 different facilities and even though we have been extremely close to transfer, we have not been successful in getting acceptance. 

However, our fight continues. The hospital informed us that there was nothing more that can be done for him and stated that disconnection was the only option. We clearly stated that our wishes were to continue treatment and to continue to reach out to additional transplant centers in hopes that someone will accept my dad as a candidate. While the hospital's ethics team is reviewing both sides, we are now asking for assistance from friends and family so we can prepare for what comes next. We continue to hope that my dad will receive his lung transplant so any funds collected will go towards medical expenses. We hope to not have to get a legal team involved but if it comes to it, funds will also go towards legal fees as well. 

Most importantly, we thank everyone for all of the support we have received so far. Whether it's has been through sharing our story online, providing us with information, or just simply sending  prayers and well wishes. Please note that we inform my dad everyday that he is not alone in this. That he has an army of people cheering him on. May God continue to bless you all.