José Ramiro Aviña is a member of our community, with a very beautiful story of faith, love, resilience, and above all, trust in God. He currently suffers from severe kidney failure, which makes him connect to a machine every night for dialysis.
Jose is originally from Tecomán, a town in the south of Mexico. He immigrated to the United States at a very young age, seeking greater opportunities for his family. During one of his trips to Mexico, he met Claudia, the woman he would marry and have his family with. After the wedding, Jose decided to move to Tijuana to be with his wife and family.
The work wages in Tijuana are much lower than anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. To make ends meet, Jose took a second job to earn half of what he was making in the United States. Overworking with little pay led Jose to experience intense stress, anxiety, burnout, and develop bad habits.
He was never a sickly person, he was characterized by his physical and mental strength; however, soon he developed symptoms of excessive fatigue, intense nausea, unexplained chest pains, breathing difficulties, among other symptoms. He went to the doctor, and was told that he was suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and had to be tested further to rule out kidney failure, which he tested positive for.
With two children in his care, Jose could not let himself be defeated or reduce his workload; thus, he continued with his same working routine. Unfortunately, Jose’s health quickly deteriorated because of his lack of rest. Jose spent five months in the hospital with no signs of improvement; consequently, he lost his job with no possibility of returning to it in the future.
During Jose’s hospitalization, his wife Claudia, turned to the Oblates of the Tijuana mission, seeking spiritual, emotional and financial support. Thanks to the many programs of the Oblate Mission in Tijuana, Jose and his family are now receiving groceries from the Social Ministry program and medical supplies and support from our health program. Our young psychologists are also helping the family cope with the financial stress and fear of the future because of his medical condition.
Our mental health program is made up of five licensed psychologists who help many families from our community cope with loss, illness, stress and anxiety. Thanks to this program, many people like Juan and Claudia have strengthen their hope and resilience after devastating circumstances and problems.
Currently José is back at home but is unable to work because of the surgery he received; however, he is working hard to remain mentally strong, hopeful, and with profound faith, despite physical suffering and lack of resources. Jose is always happy to see our medical team visit him at home, to monitor his condition and improvement. He always receives our team with a smile despite his suffering.
José Ramiro and his family are very grateful for the emotional support, food, and medical supplies and care that they have received through the Oblate programs at the mission. The outstanding work of our volunteers and young professionals who dedicate countless hours to the service of the poor and most abandoned, continue to bring hope and healing to families who so desperately need it. The Oblates are able to help the most vulnerable in our community thanks to the help of many donors and friends. Please continue to pray for Jose, Claudia and their family.
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