Ricky’s Second chance at life with a Transplant

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James Mullins and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser.

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Have you ever encountered someone whose mere presence radiates an aura of kindness and light, someone whose sole mission is to spread joy and laughter to those around them? If so, you might have had the privilege of meeting Ricky Aqudelo—a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to the happiness and well-being of others.

Ricky's journey has been one of resilience and selflessness. Living in NYC pursuing his modeling career 20 years ago…Ricky was hospitalized with tuberculosis. He was in confinement for 6 weeks and given the appropriate medications to save his life from TB which destroyed is liver.

Overcoming this challenging health episode two decades ago during his pursuit of a modeling career in NYC to building a successful business and finding his soulmate, Ricky seemed to have attained the life he had always envisioned. His days were filled with giving, putting others first, and cherishing the blessings life bestowed upon him.

However, life took an unexpected turn on January 2, 2023. Ricky, as he prepared for a seemingly routine brunch with his fiancé, experienced a series of seizures that would change the course of his life. Diagnosed with Haptic Encephalopathy and End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD), attributed to medically induced cirrhosis, Ricky found himself facing a MELD score of over 30, with a stark prognosis of a 90-day mortality rate.

The journey that followed was one of profound challenges—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ricky's once vibrant mind succumbed to the effects of toxins and bile buildup, rendering him unable to perform basic daily tasks. As his health rapidly declined, the prospect of a second chance at life through a liver transplant became a beacon of hope.

Now, Ricky stands at a crucial juncture, awaiting that life-changing transplant. Yet, the path to recovery is a long and arduous one, requiring a year or more of being unable to work. This brings us to a critical juncture where Ricky needs our collective support.

After coming home from the hospital Ricky was unable to perform basic tasks of day-to-day life due to brain damage in his left frontal lobe.

As each day passed his eyes and skin became more yellow.

His balance, motor function skills speach, depth perception, and even his sight started to fail.

Shortly after that his face and neck started to rash up and peel off in painful blisters. As the skin on his body started to flake and itch.

His once sharp, intelligent, witty, kind mind became his nemesis as the toxins and bile slowly built up and took over as they had no way of being flushed from his system through his liver.

He fought to remember what he was doing at the moment, putting whole sentences together, holding eating utensils, where he was, getting dressed, compete confusion about anything and everything around him.

He is not just seeking financial assistance; he is seeking a lifeline. From day-to-day bills, living costs, transportation, and the basic necessities of life, Ricky is relying on our compassion to navigate the turbulent waters of the past four months and secure a stable future during the recovery process.

Ricky, who has spent a lifetime bringing happiness to others, is now in need of our kindness. As he fights for a second chance at life, let us rally together and ensure that he doesn't face this battle alone. Your support, whether through a donation or by spreading the word, can make a meaningful difference in Ricky's journey.

Let's stand united to help this incredible soul, our friend, brother, son, or the person we've had the privilege of meeting once. From the beginning of this challenging journey to the present moment and the miraculous end that we hope to witness, let us be the support system that Ricky needs.

Please, if you can, extend a helping hand to Ricky as he embarks on this journey. He is not just a fighter; he is a resilient soul with a profound will to embrace the beauty of life once more. Together, let's ensure that Ricky's story is one of triumph over adversity and the power of collective kindness.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope in Ricky's life.

After coming home from the hospital Ricky was unable to perform basic tasks of day-to-day life due to brain damage in his left frontal lobe.

As each day passed his eyes and skin became more yellow.

His balance, motor function skills speach, depth perception, and even his sight started to fail.

Shortly after that his face and neck started to rash up and peel off in painful blisters. As the skin on his body started to flake and itch.

His once sharp, intelligent, witty, kind mind became his nemesis as the toxins and bile slowly built up and took over as they had no way of being flushed from his system through his liver.