A Father’s Journey to His Son

“I couldn’t play with my son. I was afraid he was going to hurt me.”

Mario’s voice became brittle as he recalled how the pain from the hernia on his groin prevented him from playing with his seven-year-old son.

Mario is a hardworking family man from Tustin, California. He works tirelessly at a dry cleaner to support his wife, son, and three daughters. They live in a small, one-bedroom apartment without any luxuries. Two years ago, Mario began having discomfort while walking and laying down on his side to sleep. The pain started as a pressure that would later pinch, and it worsened over time. Prior to the pain, Mario could work up to twelve hours a day, which provided his family with a comfortable income. As the pain progressed, however, he could barely finish an eight-hour shift.

Mario was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, which occurs when a small portion of the bowel bulges out through the inguinal canal, an opening through the muscle of the abdominal wall into the groin. Mario needed a hernia repair surgery. Unfortunately, his job does not offer health insurance and he could not afford private insurance.

“I was losing hope; I was on a waiting list for almost two years. I looked everywhere. I even asked if I could be put on a payment plan, but the clinics wanted the entire cost of the surgery paid up front.”

Mario looked tirelessly for better quotes, but the lowest price he could find for the surgery was $8,000. Mario became depressed as the reality of being unable to afford the surgery settled in.

“My wife would tell me don’t lose hope, God will guide you to the right place. My son kept telling me don’t be sad, Dad. Help is on its way.”

Fortunately, Lestonnac Free Clinic called Mario to offer him the surgery for free on August 28, 2019!

“I was super happy! I hugged my wife. She cried. We couldn’t believe it. I never thought I would get the surgery for free.”

Mario is still recovering from his surgery, but he is doing well and is back at work. His recovery is challenging due to the repetitive nature of the machinery he uses at work, however, his desire to finally play with and chase after his son motivates him to carry on.

“I am confident that I will be able to take my son out to play and not worry about anything.”

Thank you for helping us give Mario the opportunity to be an active father and continue to provide for his family. It is because of your generosity that we are able to provide solutions for fathers, like Mario. We have many more patients like Mario who need your support. Please keep our patients in your thoughts this holiday season, and, if you are able to contribute a gift today, please do. Your donation can change a life and a family.