It is with great sadness we report that José Figueroa passed away on April 22, 2025. Family and friends have been working with Help Hope Live to raise money to help finance uninsured medical expenses associated with his cardiac care.
In loving memory of José, Help Hope Live will continue to accept charitable donations to help defray uninsured costs that were incurred. José had chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because the nonprofit organization provides both tax-deductibility to the full extent allowed by law and fiscal accountability to contributors. Donors can be sure that charitable contributions will be used only to pay or reimburse medically related and funeral expenses.
To make a kind contribution to José’s memorial fundraising campaign, select the “Give” button on this page or call 800.642.8399.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800-642-8399.
In loving care and remembrance, thank you for your support.
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José is a 65-year-old husband, father of six, and proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren. A beloved Spanish teacher for over 30 years, José usually spent his days teaching elementary students and, more recently, tending to his chickens, caring for his grandkids,and enjoying watching Westerns in Gaffney, South Carolina. Despite living with type 2 diabetes for many years, José led an active and joyful life, full of purpose and love.
In February 2024, José underwent what was expected to be a routine angioplasty at a doctor’s recommendation to help aid the healing of a diabetic ulcer. Less than 48 hours later, he was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with congestive heart failure, with only 25% of his heart functioning. Before this surgery, his heart always tested back strong with no reports of medical concern. Since then, José’s health has rapidly declined, and daily tasks such as walking and dressing have become a struggle. Jose has battled severe fatigue, fluid buildup in his lungs, anxiety, and a loss of appetite. Medications that work for most heart failure patients have not been effective for him and have caused additional complications, such as kidney and blood pressure issues. Yet, through it all, José’s humor, intelligence, and faith in God have been unwavering as he faces the greatest challenge of his life.José is far more than his diagnosis. He’s a natural storyteller, bringing joy with his witty jokes and captivating tales of history. He’s also a Navy Veteran, talented bongo player, a lover of music, and an incredible roller skater—once voted one of the Top 100 skaters in NYC! José’s family and friends know him as a hardworking, caring, and funny man who has always put others first. His heart for his family and his faith in God have been his guiding lights.
As of December 12, his doctors determined that he is not a candidate for a heart transplant. However, he’s been sent home with a PICC line to administer drugs to his heart in hopes that he can regain strength to be strong enough to be eligible for an LVAD (a heart pump), which doctors say he might gain more years with his loved ones. Right now, without the LVAD, José’s doctors estimate he may have only months left with us.For the first time in his life, José, the ultimate provider for his family, is unable to work. When he needs to receive his specialized care, José and his family must regularly travel 3.5 hours from Gaffney to Charleston, South Carolina @ MUSC.
This has created significant financial strain, including:
Lodging and Transportation Costs:
Medical bills, Medication Costs, nutrition based therapy costs, adjustable bed for easier breathing sleep
Ongoing living expenses
This fundraising campaign will allow Jose to focus on healing and spending time with his family without the added burden of financial stress. It will ensure that his wife’s living needs are met and provide him the stability to regain his strength for the potential LVAD surgery. With your help, Jose can return to the activities he loves—cherishing time with his wife, grandkids, teaching, playing music, and making us laugh.
Please consider donating to Help Hope Live in Jose’s honor. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. You can also help by spreading the word—share Jose’s story with your friends and family! If you’d like to assist with organizing fundraisers, please contact one of his daughters at [email protected] or [email protected] God’s grace and the love of our community, we can give Jose the chance to fight this battle and enjoy more precious years with his loved ones. Your prayers, kindness, and support mean the world to us.
Thank you, and may God bless you richly for your generosity.
