Chico’s Medical Fund

Hello. My name is Chico Franco and I am 44 years old. My wife Anita and I have been together for 25 years, married 18 of those, and have 2 sons, 21 year old Taylor, and 18 year old Jake. I spent more than 20 years in the power line industry but then Covid hit.

When the virus first made its way here, I decided to quit power lines in order to be home with my family and less exposed to Covid having to work in larger cities. In July of 2020, my wife, oldest son, and I all 3 caught Covid. I was prepared to take care of my wife because she was the one with all of the health issues. I was not however, prepared to be the one taken care of. Just when I thought I was done with the virus, everything changed. It wasn’t done with me! My oxygen levels bottomed out hovering at only about 70. I had developed Covid pneumonia and had to be hospitalized. In the two weeks leading up to my hospitalization, during my hospitalization, and the month following, I was given high dosages of steroids to help combat the pneumonia. Thankfully, I survived but not without some issues. The steroids I was given caused circulation to my bones to be cut-off, so to speak, leading to Avascular Necrosis or bone death. It began in my hip. By the time that was diagnosed and I was told I needed a complete hip replacement, bones in my arms started dying as well. This too will require surgeries. I will also require an oral surgery in the hospital in order to get cleared for surgery. I’m in the process of doing all of the tests and procedures that are needed beforehand but without insurance, it’s all self pay and very difficult to handle alongside our normal expenses. As hard as it is to ask for help, this is where we are at. It’s getting harder for me to get around and I am dependent on a cane, or crutches when the cane alone isn’t enough support. Unfortunately, because of the necrosis in my arms, both of these cause extreme pain from putting so much pressure on my arms. I can’t get coverage that will actually cover surgeries until November. I’m doing my best to hold out until then but it’s not going to be possible for too much longer. To compound issues further, Covid hit our home a second time and my wife and son are just getting over it. Because of this, neither of them were able to work and I missed days as well because of pain and mobility issues adding to our already stressful financial difficulties. I know many have very similar stories to mine and I pray for you all. If a monetary donation is something you feel led to do, it would be more than appreciated. If you aren’t able to, prayers and shares, would be just as appreciated. I decided to go the GoFundMe route because I see cases like mine all of the time where people use this platform to much success. I have complete faith that God will provide in my time of need and that I will be able to have surgery sooner rather than later. I just want to get back to living a normal, pain free, healthy life, with my wife and two sons. Thank you all in advance for any donations or prayers. God Bless y’all!!