Joaquin's Story/Benefit

As a parent of a child with special needs, this touches my heart. Although Rustin did not have heart issues which is typical of kids that have DS and Joaquin does not have DS I feel the need to spread the word to help Joaquin's family raise money for his medical bills which we all know add up quickly and even though his family has medical insurance it does not pay for everything. It is also close to my heart because it is a family I know. I went to school with Joaquin's loving Uncle and this family is coming together to raise money to offset the cost of his medical bills and with our awesome community I know they can reach there goal.

Joaquin Emilio Salazar was diagnosed with Tricuspid Atresia before birth. When he was born and transported by ambulance to Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus near the families home, the cariologists found two more defects. Joaquin was diagnosed with a rare and complex heart defect-Tricuspid Atresia, Transposition of the Great Arteries type B with an Interrupted Aortic Arch. It's a mothful but here are the basics.

Tricuspid Atresia means no or small right ventricle...which means that blood can't flow properly if at all.

Interrupted Aortic Arch means the aorta is not completely developed.

Joaquin had open heart surgery at just seven days old. And because of his condition and a certain medicine that his body needed, he was not allowed to eat at all until a few days after his surgery.

Joaquin will require two more open heart surgeries. With the grace of God and His work through the surgeon's hands, Joaquin will lead a fairly normal life. He will not be able to play contact sports and will need to be on baby Aspirin and Lasik for the rest of his life.

About 35,000 infants are born with some kind of a heart defect each year in the US.

The Salazar & Sandoval Family will be having a brisket bbq plate lunch benefit on Dec 5th from 11-2 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Hall in Taylor TX. Plates sell for $8.00 and will come with a generous portion of Beef brisket, Mexican rice, beans, trimmings, and dessert.

If you would like to purchase tickets ahead of time you can call Sebastion Salazar at 512-560-5233 and walk-ins are welcome.

If you can not make the benefit and would like to make a donation to Joaquin's medical fund you can make checks payable to Paul and Christi Salazar memo: Joaquin's medical fund and mail to Sebastian Salazar 318 Mitchell Dr. Hutto TX 78634

Thank you and God Bless