LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Ivan Ortiz usually spends his days cutting hair at his barbershop and working with the Texas Tech football team. But since October 16, he’s been at UMC hospital with his wife, Maddie.
That’s when he got a call at 2:45 a.m. telling him Maddie had been hit by a drunk driver.
“I’m kind of numb to the pain right now. I’ve cried every day and it’s hard,” Ivan said.
Maddie has been in the ICU since the crash and has had multiple surgeries. Ivan stays by her side every day. The couple got married in February after being together for seven years.
Maddie was a stay-at-home mom to their 3-year-old son. Ivan was the family’s provider, but he hasn’t been able to work since the crash.
“I hardly sleep, I probably sleep like two-three hours a day,” Ivan said. “I’ve shared the bed with Maddie for like seven years. Then I go home to nothing, just me and my son. It’s a different feeling especially with someone you share the bed with.”
Their young son doesn’t fully understand why his mother isn’t home, but Ivan can see the impact on him.
“It’s like a puzzle piece, you know we just built a puzzle. Now there’s a couple pieces missing,” he said. “It don’t feel the same, it don’t look the same. I don’t feel complete anymore. I lost something and I’m trying to get it back.”
Ivan has set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses while he focuses on his family instead of work. But he says what they need most is prayers.
“I need all the prayer warriors I can get right now for Maddie,” he said.
“At this time in my life right now while going through this difficult situation it’s a time in need,” Ivan said. “I do need help. I am asking if anybody can help. I don’t want to leave Maddie’s side.”
If you would like to donate, click here GoFundMe.
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