Support Geisen

Our longtime co-worker Geisen Barrena was always the picture of health. But in early autumn 2015, his general health began to change.  He started experiencing minor cold-like symptoms that he couldn’t shake but thought nothing of them since they weren’t severe enough to keep him from working.  When he developed swelling in his neck, he (and those of us around him who noticed) began to be concerned.  A checkup was inconclusive, and Geisen continued working until October 16, when he suddenly became so weak that he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. He remained hospitalized for three weeks, undergoing tests and treatments relieved his symptoms to a degree, but didn’t result in a definite diagnosis.  After just a few days at home, he again became so weak he could barely stand, and returned to the hospital, where he stayed for the next few months, finally being released in January 2016, again without a clear diagnosis.  Lymphoma was suspected but fortunately ruled out. Geisen returned to work on January 14, still a little weak, but without resources since his paid sick time had been depleted. While still not 100%, he was able to work for around a month, again being taken ill and hospitalized in late February.  He has remained in the hospital since, and, during this last stay has been treated for pneumonia, has been given a blood transfusion for a blood infection, and has had his spleen removed. In the past 6 months, Geisen has been hospitalized for 5 of the past 6 months, without a clear diagnosis or treatment plan.

A 10-year employee at our distribution facility, he was a devoted son who regularly sent a portion of his earnings to help support his family in Peru. In the time since Geisen emigrated to the United States, his father was diagnosed with cancer and was unable to work. This added to the family’s financial burden, and Geisen often used his paycheck for medication to send to his father. Sadly, his father lost his battle with cancer in January, around the time of Geisen’s release from the hospital. Due to his own poor health and lack if finances, Geisen couldn’t return to Peru to pay his respects.

Geisen has been out of work for 6 of the last 7 months, and his medical bills continue to mount.  Still hospitalized, he faces financial and physical burdens that threaten to become insurmountable without help.  He is without resources to meet his everyday expenses, and is without the support of his family, who don’t have the means to travel to be nearby.  Geisen, who has always been a devoted and generous son, doesn’t deserve to carry this financial burden alone.  Please consider helping him so he can focus on healing physically.