Meet Alex Guzman
Meet Alex Guzman
I was recently introduced to Alex Guzman from my friend Robb Bolton, a former Jewel Levine Foundation recipient. Robb was recently a patient at UCLA Hospital in Westwood and met Alex on his floor. As soon as Robb shared his story with me, I went down to UCLA the next day to meet him. He is an amazing and positive young man that needs our help.
Alex Guzman is from South Central Los Angeles and is 33 years old. He was born with a hole in his heart and had three heart surgeries before even starting kindergarten. He’s endured many surgeries in between now and then. At the age of 20, he suffered a massive stroke and is now battling congestive heart failure. Without a heart transplant , the doctors don’t know how much more time he has left.
Alex had been at UCLA Medical Center since April 12th awaiting a heart transplant. Since being admitted in April, Alex has been at the top of the transplant list for a new heart. Unfortunately, the situation has changed dramatically over the last week. Alex recently learned from his mother that he could not stay with her in LA after his surgery. Her house was in very poor condition and would not be suitable for his recovery according to his medical staff.
After meeting with his social worker and doctors, he was informed that if he did not have a home and 24/7 caregivers after his surgery, he would be removed from the heart transplant list. Most importantly if Alex does not have a home secured over the next few weeks, they will release him from the hospital.
After a heart transplant patients must go to a clean, germ free home with 24/7 caregivers. Heart transplant patients take up to 30 pills per day and must be monitored closely for at least the first 3 months or longer. He will have frequent doctor visits during this time and will not be allowed to take Uber or Lyft because of the exposure to germs.
Alex is desperate for a place to live after his surgery. He will need an additional room for his caregiver as well. Alex’s income is minimal from state disability at less than $1000 per month. With his minimal amount of income Alex will have to pay for a caregiver that could cost anywhere from $6000-$8000 per month.
We are asking all of our friends and family of the Jewel Levine Foundation to see if anyone has any extra rooms or guest house where Alex can stay. We also are looking to raise money to pay for Alex’s caregivers. Estimated 6 months of care will cost approximately $36,000-$42,000
Our goal is to initially raise $50,000 to allow Alex to pay for rent and to cover the cost of caregivers to recover after his heart transplant.
Thank you for your support and consideration!!
Derek, Amy, Danielle and Gator & The Jewel Levine Foundation