Set of brothers face separate battles
(Seguin) – The last few months have undoubtedly been challenging for local brothers Jacob and Justin Garcia. The family has undergone a set of separate setbacks, the latest being injuries sustained by Jacob while on the job as a Canyon Lake Fire Fighter.
On April 27, Jacob suffered a broken leg, neck, and left arm paralysis after a roof caved in during a house fire. He has since been in recovery and will continue to undergo extensive therapy and surgeries.
Helping to support his healing has been the recent announcement that Jacob has been selected as the June 2023 Injured First Responder Grant Recipient by the Running 4 Heroes national organization.
The non-profit group started with a then 10-year-old Zechariah Cartledge who began his journey raising funds for fallen or injured first responders by running.
With its Injured First Responder Grant Program, the group each month donates a minimum of $10,000 to a first responder injured in the line of duty – again making Jacob this month’s recipient.
Jacob says he’s appreciative of all the support that has been shown, especially this latest gift provided by the national non-profit.
“I was told while I was in the hospital so I wasn’t really sure what the organization was until much later on and I first off want to thank the New Braunfels Fire Department as well as the Canyon Lake Fire Department because they filled out the paperwork on my behalf to get me into the running for the grant and then just as I’ve been in recovery, learning what Zachariah has done for all first responders, I was very thankful. I also want to give a big thanks to Seton-Kyle, New Braunfels Regional Rehab and just the thoughts and prayers from everyone,” said Jacob.
It’s also no surprise that Jacob’s mother, Loretta Garcia, is very thankful. She says it has not been easy to see her son injured but remains grateful that he is alive.
“I have so much gratitude towards this organization because I know it is a national thing and that my son was picked first of all and it’s good for all the injured first responders and to know that there is an organization out there that assists in a time like this when it’s unexpected. It was very unexpected and for Jacob to be so independent and a go-getter and great at what he does and then this happens, it’s just very overwhelming but I’m so thankful to this organization,” said Loretta.
A presentation to Jacob by Running 4 Heroes is slated for later this month at his firehouse. Meanwhile, Loretta’s plate remains full with her other adult son Justin Garcia. For years, this community has come to know Justin and his lifelong journey as he continues his struggle with vascular brain disease. This journey has taken him regularly to New York City for treatment.
Loretta shares that Justin’s bout with the illness has again turned critical, making this next trip to NYC even more important. To assist with travel and medical expenses, the family will host a plate and raffle fundraiser this weekend.
Despite his inability to still get around, big brother Jacob says he wants the focus and prayers of the community to now be with little brother Justin and encourages folks to show their support in any way they can this Saturday.
“The community has always supported Justin throughout his life which has helped him grow into where he is today and I don’t think Justin would be here today without the support of the community over the course of his life and we are definitely eternally grateful as a family for their support in helping us get Justin the care he needs with the travel to the specialist that he needs,” said Jacob.
The benefit for Justin Garcia will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Columbus Club of Seguin. The plates are $10 each and include chicken, sausage, potato salad, rice and beans.
A total of 23 raffle prizes are also up for grabs. The category of items includes outdoor, tools, electronics, drinks, designer purses, designer sunglasses, gift cards, and home products. Raffle tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. Those wishing to purchase a ticket are asked to contact Loretta Garcia at 210-995-7923 or his father, Dan Garcia, at 830-243-1902.