Read Spanish version below:  Being informed that you require an organ transplant can be an extremely difficult and traumatic experience for anyone. This can be further complicated if English is not your first language, or if you have a uncertain immigration status. The healthcare system in the U.S. is notoriously difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the global COVID-19 Pandemic has underscored the healthcare inequities experienced by marginalized communities. In this Hispanic Heritage month series, we will profile several brave individuals who are currently going through the fight of their lives.

Due to several factors, pulmonary illnesses are prevalent in communities of color. This is clearly evident with respect to the Hispanic community. Due to many factors, Hispanic individuals are more reluctant to seek treatment for reasons such as language barriers, a lack of access to preventive care, immigration status as well as lack of education.

Sometimes COVID causes damage to organs.  To heal and save lives, a transplant may be needed.

In order to ameliorate these inequities, it is imperative that U.S. healthcare providers make a greater effort to engage with the Hispanic community and other communities of color. Individuals can also take steps such as not smoking, scheduling regular health screenings, and getting more exercise to lower their risk of pulmonary issues.

One such patient who is trying to overcome these inequities is Juan Perez-Cordero. In July of this year, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. His condition was complicated by being infected with COVID-19. As a result, he had to stay in the hospital for three weeks. He now relies on an oxygen tank to breathe.

Juan has been married to his wife of 23 years, Lucia, in Minnesota. Before his health declined, Michael enjoyed working, playing and coaching soccer, as well as spending time with loved ones. His motivation to continue to fight during his transplant journey is to ensure that he can take care of his family.

For more than 40 years, The National Foundation for Transplants has been assisting transplant patients with advocacy and fundraising support. We work with volunteers and supporters to help relieve the burden of expenses for patients such as Catarino. Please help us to continue our mission in the Hispanic community by providing a financial gift today!

Ben Jabbour, Contributor

Ben Jabbour currently works as a Bilingual Fundraising Consultant for the National Foundation for Transplants. He is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the medical non-profit, community engagement, legal, and compliance sectors. In his current role, he advises patients in accessing critical healthcare services during their transplant journey with a focus on serving the Hispanic community. He has served on non-profit boards helping historically marginalized populations.  Ben holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish Language from Vanderbilt University. He earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

Second Chances are within reach.

Spanish version.

Ser informado de que necesita un trasplante de órganos puede ser una experiencia extremadamente difícil y traumática para cualquier persona. Esto puede complicarse aún más si el inglés no es su primer idioma, o si tiene un estatus migratorio incierto. El sistema de salud en los Estados Unidos es notoriamente difícil de navegar. Además, la pandemia mundial de COVID-19 ha puesto de relieve las desigualdades en materia de atención de la salud que experimentan las comunidades marginadas. En esta serie del mes de la Herencia Hispana, haremos un perfil de varias personas valientes que actualmente están pasando por la lucha de sus vidas.

Debido a varios factores, las enfermedades pulmonares son prevalentes en las comunidades de color.  Esto es claramente evidente con respecto a la comunidad hispana.  Debido a muchos factores, los hispanos son más reacios a buscar tratamiento, como las barreras del idioma, la falta de acceso a la atención preventiva, el estatus migratorio y la falta de educación.

Con el fin de mejorar estas desigualdades, es imperativo que en EE.UU.  los proveedores de atención médica hagan un gran esfuerzo para comprometerse con la comunidad hispana y otras comunidades de color.  Las personas también pueden tomar medidas como no fumar, programar exámenes de salud regulares y hacer más ejercicio para reducir el riesgo de problemas pulmonares.

Uno de esos pacientes que está tratando de superar estas acciones es Juan Pérez-Cordero.  En julio de este año, fue diagnosticado con fibrosis pulmonar.  Su condición se complicó al infectarse con COVID-19. Como resultado, tuvo que permanecer en el hospital durante tres semanas. Ahora depende de un tanque de oxígeno para poder respirar.

Juan ha estado casado con su esposa por 23 años, Lucía, en Minnesota. Antes de que su salud declinara, Michael disfrutaba trabajando, jugando y entrenando fútbol, así como pasando tiempo con sus seres queridos. Su motivación para continuar luchando durante su viaje de trasplante es asegurarse de que pueda cuidar de su familia.

Durante más de 40 años, la Fundación Nacional para Trasplantes ha estado ayudando a los pacientes trasplantados con apoyo de defensa y recaudación de fondos.  Trabajamos con voluntarios y simpatizantes para ayudar a aliviar la carga de los gastos de pacientes como Juan.  ¡Por favor, ayúdenos a continuar nuestra misión en la comunidad hispana al proporcionar una donación financiera hoy!