The Story of Romeo Ruiz
​Romeo Ruiz is more than just a name; he is a loving father, a loyal friend, and a man who lights up every room he enters. 

At just 50 years old, Romeo has always approached life with boundless energy and an infectious optimism. His greatest joy is being a father, and working in the garden growing fruits and vegetables.

​However, for the past year, Romeo has been fighting a quiet, relentless battle against end-stage liver and kidney failure.
​The Diagnosis and the Fight
​The doctors at Baylor, Scott, and White and University of Texas Southwestern medical Hospital have confirmed that Romeo's liver and kidneys are failing. This has led to debilitating symptoms, including chronic fatigue, painful swelling, and frequent hospital visits.
​After countless tests, procedures, and attempts at medical management, the heartbreaking reality is that medical intervention is no longer enough. Romeo needs a dual-organ transplant to survive and live a life without constant suffering.

—A new Liver and a new Kidney—

​He has been waiting to be placed on the national transplant waiting list, a moment of profound hope mixed with the grueling stress of waiting. Every day is a delicate balancing act, and our greatest wish is to see him get the call that he has been accepted on the transplant list and a match has been found.

​Why We Need Your Help: The Transplant Mountain
​While we are eternally grateful for the miracle of modern medicine, the financial burden of a dual-organ transplant is astronomical and overwhelming. Even with insurance, the costs associated with this life-saving surgery and the subsequent recovery are staggering.

​Our fundraising goal of  $300,000 will directly cover the critical, non-negotiable expenses, including:
​Pre- and Post-Surgery Co-pays & Deductibles: Covering the immediate costs of the 10-12 hour surgery and the critical care unit stay.
​Anti-Rejection Medications: These life-long drugs are vital for preventing Romeo’s body from rejecting the new organs and can cost thousands of dollars per month.

​Travel & Lodging: Romeo must remain close to the transplant center for weeks before and months after the surgery. Our family needs to afford temporary housing near Baylor, or UT Southwestern Hospital.

​Loss of Income: Romeo and his caregiver will be unable to work for an extended period, making it impossible to cover their standard bills alongside these new medical expenses.

​Give Romeo the Gift of Tomorrow

​A successful transplant won't just replace two organs; it will give Romeo his life back. It will allow him to dream of the future of walking his daughter down the aisle, and simply waking up without pain.
​We are not just asking for a donation; we are asking for your help in giving Romeo a second chance at life.
​🙏 Donate: Every single dollar brings us closer to securing Romeo's future. No amount is too small.
​🗣️ Share: Please share Romeo's story on every social media platform you use—Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, tick-tock, and email. Use the hashtag #RomeosSecondChance.
​❤️ Pray/Send Positive Thoughts: Keep Romeo and the donor family in your thoughts as we wait for this life-changing call.
​From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for being a part of Romeo's journey. We promise to keep you updated every step of the way.
​Let's bring Romeo home, healthy, to enjoy a life full of tomorrows.