A Victorville father of three lies in a medically induced coma in Mexico after suffering two strokes, while his desperate family struggles to raise $30,000 to bring him home to Southern California for proper medical care.
Key Takeaways
- Manuel Contreras, a 47-year-old father from Victorville, suffered two strokes while vacationing in Cancun and is now in a medically induced coma at a general hospital lacking proper resources
- The family needs approximately $30,000 for medical transport to bring Manuel back to the United States
- Manuel’s Medi-Cal insurance is not accepted by Mexican hospitals equipped to properly treat his condition
- The family has organized a GoFundMe campaign and scheduled a fundraising raffle at Bombshells Bar & Grill in Victorville on June 6
- Despite reaching out to their congressman and the U.S. embassy, the family has received no assistance from government officials
Father’s Vacation Turns Tragic
What started as a week-long vacation with a friend has turned into a nightmare for the Contreras family. Manuel Contreras, 47, a father of three from Victorville, California, suffered a small stroke while visiting Cancun, Mexico. Two days later, he experienced a second, more severe stroke that has left him in critical condition. Now, his family is racing against time to bring him back to the United States for the medical care he desperately needs.
“My dad, he’s probably the most hardworking, most active person I know. He was going to be gone for a week and it was just to spend time with his friend,” said Gabriel Contreras, Manuel’s son.
According to Gabriel, his father collapsed suddenly while in Cancun. Fortunately, someone was nearby to assist him until an ambulance arrived. Manuel was initially hospitalized after the first stroke, but his condition deteriorated significantly following the second stroke, requiring doctors to place him in a medically induced coma due to the lack of proper treatment resources.
Medical Crisis Compounded by Insurance Issues
The situation has been further complicated by insurance problems. Manuel’s Medi-Cal coverage is not accepted by the Mexican hospitals that could provide appropriate treatment for his condition. His daughter, Ralene Contreras, explained the dire circumstances at the general hospital where her father is currently being treated.
“At the general hospital, they don’t have the adequate funding or equipment to treat him there, so they’re just putting him into an induced coma and hoping his body heals,” said Ralene Contreras.
Adding to the urgency, Manuel has also developed a respiratory infection while in the hospital. The family believes that bringing him back to the United States is now critical for his survival and recovery. However, the cost of medical transport presents an enormous financial challenge for the family.
Community Rallies as Government Remains Silent
The Contreras family has reached out to their local congressman and the U.S. embassy for assistance but has yet to receive any response. While our government routinely spends billions on foreign aid and supporting illegal immigrants, American citizens like Manuel Contreras are left to fend for themselves in medical emergencies abroad. In the face of this government inaction, the family has turned to their community for help.
“Flying him to Houston will cost about $30,000 to get him just into the States to get treated,” explained Ralene Contreras.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds for Manuel’s medical transport. Additionally, they have organized a fundraising raffle event scheduled for June 6 at Bombshells Bar & Grill in Victorville. The local community has shown tremendous support, offering the family hope during this challenging time. Despite the obstacles they face, Manuel’s children remain optimistic about his recovery and are working tirelessly to bring their father home.
