Rafael Solorzano

Rafael “Nico” Solorzano desperately needs your help. He has been diagnosed with a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis; a serious medical condition that causes the lung tissues to become damaged and scarred. This makes it very difficult for Nico’s lungs to work properly, and his condition has progressed to the point where he now needs full-time supplemental oxygen. He has difficulty walking only a few steps, and is very ill. Without a lifesaving lung transplant, Nico won’t survive much longer.

Transplants are lifesaving, but the costs of this surgery are monumental and more than Nico can handle on his own. At only 53 years of age, Nico is enthusiastic about his future and his will to survive is very strong. He has worked and lived in Buffalo, New York for most of his life. From his humble beginnings in Guatemala, to now being a solid member of his community here in Buffalo, Nico has worked hard in the auto body painting and service industry, his whole life. He is married and has the wonderful support and love of his wife, Wanda and their three lovely children. An amazing father and outstanding grandfather, his only wish is to spend more time with his grandchildren in the near and distant future.

Nico is no longer able to work due to his poor health and his out-of-pocket medical expenses are quickly adding up. The cost of a lung transplant is overwhelming, and even with health insurance there are clinic visits, co-pays and deductibles, caregiver fees, health insurance premiums, lodging and travel fees, and much more. Once he has his transplant, Nico will also be required to take costly anti-rejection medications for the rest of his life.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Nico’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the New York Heart Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity in making Rafael’s lung transplant a success. Your donation, no matter how big or how small, is one step closer to a successful outcome for Rafael.

Gratefully,

Rafael’s loving family and friends