(Seguin) – Since he was a toddler, KWED listeners and readers of the Seguin Daily News have followed the journey of Justin Garcia – a journey that includes the tireless efforts of his parents, Loretta and Dan Garcia, who through all these years have navigated the medical challenges associated with their son’s rare neurological condition.
Now 33 years old, Justin has spent most of his life battling the rare vascular brain disorder first diagnosed when he was just 17 months old. Over the years, the Seguin community has repeatedly stepped up to help the Garcia family offset the significant costs associated with Justin’s treatment by supporting them with various fundraisers
This summer, Justin and his family will once again travel up north for critical medical appointments. Their two-week trip includes stops in Boston and New York, where Justin will meet with the only specialist in the country who is able to treat his rare condition.
But this time, Loretta Garcia says her son is facing some of the most difficult challenges he has ever encountered.
“Currently Justin still is dealing with the vascular brain disorder,” said Garcia. “And then on top of that, he was just diagnosed in September with a new condition, which is called superficial siderosis.”
According to Loretta, this latest diagnosis is a rare neurological disorder caused by iron buildup in the brain and spinal cord.
“We’ve noticed a decline more so in him,” said Garcia. “Justin is no longer able to walk on his own.”
Meanwhile until they learn more, Loretta says Justin is left dealing with significant pain.
“Justin suffers a lot of pain in his legs and his head and his back,” said Garcia.
The condition has also affected his hearing, which has noticeably worsened over the past year.
“He’s losing his hearing,” said Garcia. “We’re having to make a lot of adjustments with the house for him.”
Justin is now wheelchair bound.
Loretta says the family has also been left with making the necessary accommodations to better care for him.
“He is in a wheelchair now. Anywhere we go, we put him in a wheelchair,” said Garcia.
The family is again organizing a benefit raffle and accepting donations through GoFundMe to help cover travel expenses, medical costs, and other ongoing needs.
The raffle drawing is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on Facebook. Supporters are also welcome to attend in person at the Garcia family home in Kingsbury.
Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20.
Among the raffle prizes are a Blackstone griddle package, a Master Forge propane grill, a DeWalt drill and impact driver combo kit, Michael Kors and Coach handbags, Gucci and Louis Vuitton accessories, a Keurig coffee maker, and several gift card packages.
Loretta says the family remains deeply grateful for the support they have received over the years.
“We just couldn’t have done it without the support of the community and the family and friends who’ve been behind us,” said Garcia. “It’s been a tough journey. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and ask for continued prayers.”
Anyone wishing to purchase raffle tickets or make a donation can contact Loretta Garcia at (210) 995-7923 or Dan Garcia at (830) 243-1902. Donations can also be sent through Cash App $lorettagarcia, Venmo @Loretta-Garcia-38, Facebook Pay, or the family’s GoFundMe campaign.