What Happened

Daniel Gallardo Arevalo, a 29-year-old beloved son, brother, husband, friend, and doctor,  was born and raised in Chile and currently resides in the state of California in the United States. He was admitted to the ICU on August 21, 2024, at Loma Linda Medical Center with a diagnosis of cerebellar/brain stem stroke. Daniel has a coagulation disorder, and days before, had tested positive for COVID-19. Both diagnoses were considered the cause of the stroke by the neurology team.

Daniel underwent an emergency procedure to remove the clots that were obstructing one of the large arteries in his brain. The clots were successfully removed and blood flow returned to the brain completely. However, Daniel remained unconscious. Further brain testing revealed that the extent of the stroke was so severe that even with blood flow restored to the brain, it was not enough. A large portion of the cerebellum and brain stem had been damaged by both the stroke and subsequent inflammation.

Since then, he has remained in critical condition, requiring mechanical ventilation and medications to maintain his vital functions. His brain function has not recovered despite maximum medical efforts.

Through all this, Daniel’s wife has been constantly by his side. Thanks to the crucial and timely support of valued friends and members of the faith community, Daniel’s parents and younger brother are accompanying him and have remained in constant communication with the medical team.

At the moment, the family is going through a very sensitive and difficult time as doctors are presenting a series of possible scenarios in the short and mid-term. The family continues to closely follow Daniel’s condition day and night.

Even through these tremendously painful and uncertain times, Daniel’s family expresses their gratitude to God for providing so many friends, church members, and even strangers who have been present through their prayers, words of support, and donations to help pay for his expensive medical care. Therefore, they have requested the creation of this platform to help update those who have been and those who wish to be part of this process. At the same time, they have requested privacy to process the information in this sensitive time of uncertainty and waiting.

In the event of major changes, this report will be updated at the time the family deems appropriate. Once again, thank you so much for your expressions of support and your prayers that remind us how loved Daniel is. We are together in this painful process. We know that although we have many questions, the God of heaven also walks beside us. We thank Jesus for strengthening us and providing people near and far to show us His love. We also thank the medical team taking care of Daniel, for their tireless efforts to help both Daniel and his family through this process.