GIVING BACK - TO ROBERTO

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Time to give back to a very special person.  Roberto is in the hospital in critical condition and needs as many prayers, positive thoughts, and a bit of a helping hand to cover medical costs.  I am confident that with as many friends that he has, God will be getting a overwhelming amount of prayers today.  

This is one of those things that start out as a minor mole hill and turns into a giant mountain unexpectedly.  On January 10th, Roberto went in "Seguro" ( where one would go for the free universal health care here in Mexico ) to get a Covid test since he felt a bit under the weather (I will add here, since I know people will be wondering - yes, he was fully vaccinated.).  His result was "positive", but since he had minor symptoms, doctor advised to stay home for 4 - 5 days, take paracetamol for body aches and fever and go back after the 5 days for another test.  Day 4 showed no signs of improvement, he was still running a low grade fever, just a little pain in the stomach, but permanently had a feeling of exhaustion.  The doctor advised a few more days on paracetamol.  On this day Jan 17th, the family decided he needed a second opinion and took him to a "private" hospital.  The doctor there examined him and prescribed stronger pain medication, a steroid, and antibiotics, in addition to vitamin C and half hour sunbath daily.  Two days later, although he did feel better in general, he was still experiencing a "little" pain in his stomach and his abdomen had swollen quite a bit.  His communication in text and vocal became choppy and he was loosing his voice.  So, on Jan 19th, another trip to the emergency room at yet another private hospital (AMC Hospital).  He was admitted that evening and a request for full lab work to find out what was going on was requested.   Later that night, the family was contacted and informed that he needed emergency surgery for a life-threatening appendix rupture.  Roberto went into surgery at about 2:00am the morning of Jan 19th.  He came out of surgery and the doctors said he was doing as well as can be expected, but was still in critical condition since his entire abdomen cavity was filled with infection and some organs had already been impacted negatively.   As I am writing this about noon on Jan 21st, Roberto is still in intensive care, in critical, but stable condition.  Doctors have advised that he will continue in intensive care for a minimum of 3 - days.  He is receiving 24 hour care and treatment.  Lab work every few hours, a team of four doctors visiting and checking on him regularly and in constant communication with the family.  At this time (noon, Jan 21st) he is improving a bit, but doctors are stressing that he is not out of critical condition as things can turn at any moment.  He has two drains tubes into his abdomen and it is still draining.  I will be updating everyone on this "blog" as I get updates.  

For those of you who don't know Roberto, Roberto Sandoval is a very, very special man - one of a kind.  Besides being a Caboholic himself since it's inception way back in 2010, he is a husband to the most loving wife and a wonderful father of three grown children with much of his free time devoted to his grandchildren he refers to as his "blessings".   There's no question to why he chose the service industry as his career.  Roberto has become a friend to many and family to many others over the years.  Some know him as Roberto the pool bartender serving the most delicious "dirty monkeys" on the planet.  Others may have met him during the years he worked at Los Barriles restaurant or at La Palapa Shu.  He's been at Cabo Cantina since 2016 and I know he's met so many new friends since then.  Lucky are those who have experienced his Flaming Mexican Coffee.  Doesn't matter where or when anyone meets him, be assured that a new life-long friendship has been made.

On behalf of Don, myself, his wife Mari, his children, Roberto Jr., Angel, and Sbiedy, as well as his grandchildren, and the entire staff at Cabo Cantina, I am asking first and most importantly for prayers and positive thoughts, vibes, or whatever other spiritual support you can send to help get him over this tragedy as that is most important at this time.  Of course medical treatment for what he's battling is not coming cheap and help to cover the bill is much needed and sincerely appreciated.  

The medical bill as of Jan 20th is $11,477.00usd.   
As of last billing, Roberto is expected to be in intensive care for a minimum of 3-4 days if all goes well.
Estimated cost - Intensive Care per day is 80,000 - 100,000 pesos per day (4,000usd - 5,000usd).
Thereafter, he will be moved to a regular room for an additional few days (at a much lower cost).
Please know that everything helps - every contribution is greatly appreciated.