In Loving Memory of Stephen Pena

On Friday, December 16th, my brother Stephen Pena, was found on the floor of his bathroom by his roommate, confused. He was rushed to the ICU in San Francisco and diagnosed with liver and kidney failure, along with pneumonia and other health complications. That weekend was filled with lots of health declines and not very much improvement. He was intubated and given blood transfusions. Seeing Stephen in that state was not easy for his family or friends, yet we held onto hope that he might begin to improve and, bit by bit, he is.

Currently he is being monitored by some of the best medical professionals and with his family and friends by his side. At the moment, we are unsure what recovery will look like. It’s a gradual roller coaster and not all of his progress has been upward, but the hope is still strong.

To have to explain Stephen in only a few words is tough and anyone who has had any interaction with him can tell you the same. He’s the silly uncle who wears party hats during FaceTime calls with his captivated nieces, June and Mae. He’s the brother who watched Super Market Sweep with me on the couch afterschool when we were kids. He’s the son who sits at the kitchen table and talks for hours with my parents about everything and nothing at all. He’s the friend who puts you above all and bends over backwards if you need help with anything. He’s warm, welcoming, puts a positive spin on everything, insanely detailed, gracious, humble, but also so stubborn. Stephen’s nothing short of amazing.

If you are in a position to donate or share, anything helps, including love and prayers. Stephen’s journey isn’t done yet and any donations will be used towards medical costs, living expenses, and assisting in his recovery.

On behalf of Stephen’s family, thank you for all of your help and support,

Jenny (Stephen’s sister)