Where there's a Wil, there's a way.

On the morning of October 8, 2018, our friend Wilfredo Cruz set out for a family outing with his wife and two boys. During his drive, he began to feel tingling in his left leg. Within hours, he was completely paralyzed from the waist down. After a multitude of medical tests and unsuccessful treatments, doctors are still uncertain about his diagnosis.  However, at this time, they believe Wilfredo may have transverse myelitis. Transverse myelitis is a rare spinal inflammation disorder that causes pain, severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and sensory problems. The CDC estimates that it affects 1 to 4 people in one million each year across the country. Unfortunately, in this case, it affected our friend.


As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. and a member of the Chicago Police Department for the last 19 years, Wilfredo has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his country and his city. He is a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Nicole and a loving father to 4-year-old Alejandro and 5-month-old Mateo. The love, dedication, and adoration of his wife and children is evident in everything he does, as his family is his world.


Due to the rarity of this illness, Wilfredo’s long-term recovery is still unknown, making this a long and arduous journey for him and his family. At this time, Nicole has had to take a leave of absence from work, which means bills are beginning to pile up. The estimated out-of-pocket medical expenses and the cost of adjustments for mobility could be extremely high. It’s not easy to ask for help, but we want to support our friends at a time when they’re not able to. We’re hoping to raise funds to help our beloved friends with their many expenses including: hospital/medical bills, a wheelchair lift, repairs to his home to accommodate his wheelchair, medication, childcare, and beyond. The last thing any of us wants is for financial stress to be added to what is already a challenging time. Please help us ease our friend’s financial burden so he can focus on his recovery.


Thank you for reading Wilfredo’s story. We appreciate any help or contribution, no matter how big or small! If you’re looking for a way to help the Cruz family, this is a simple but meaningful way to support them in this difficult time. Whether or not you’re able to make a donation, please consider sharing this fundraiser and story on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and with your friends. Wilfredo and Nicole are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown so far. It’s going to be a long road to recovery with months in the hospital, rehabilitation, and hard work, but if anyone can do it, Wilfredo can.


We are in constant contact with Wilfredo and Nicole and will update this page with all new information to keep you aware of how the recovery process is going.


Thank you so much for your help and support.


Team Wilfredo