I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Irene, who is going through one of the most difficult and overwhelming times of her life.

If you know Irene, you know she is the first person to show up when someone needs help. She works tirelessly to give her son, Luke, the opportunity to attend college.

Just before Christmas, on December 23, 2025, Irene was rushed to the ER at Bridgeport Hospital with severe abdominal pain that quickly became unbearable. She could barely speak or breathe.

That same night, she underwent emergency surgery to remove her failing gallbladder. Tragically, complications during the procedure caused damage to two bile ducts and significant blood loss due to a blood vessel connected to the gallbladder.

Days later, Irene’s pain returned, this time even worse. She developed jaundice and pancreatitis and was back in the ER on January 3, 2026. An MRI revealed that four stones had been left behind from the first surgery, blocking her bile duct and severely impacting her liver and pancreas.

She had to undergo a second surgery to remove the stones and have stents placed in both her pancreas and bile duct.

In February, Irene faced a third procedure to remove those stents and try to repair the bile duct damage, which had caused ongoing leakage.

We are incredibly grateful that Irene's medical emergency was treated and that she is now slowly recovering, but she is now facing over $45,000 in medical bills, with no insurance to help cover the cost.

On top of that, she is still trying to support her son’s college education and her living expenses, while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of everything she’s been through. The stress has been overwhelming, affecting her sleep, her health, and her overall well-being.

I am asking, from the bottom of my heart, for any support you can give to help Irene during this time. No amount is too small, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing this would mean just as much.

Let’s come together to support Irene the way she has always supported others.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and compassion!