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Lee Hernandez of New Braunfels, Texas, has asked that people reach out by texting or calling him. (Photo: Arizona Veterans Forum)
PHOENIX — An Army veteran with a terminal illness has a final wish that we can all help with.
It's doesn't require much effort on our part but would make a world of difference to a man who served his country.
He wants us, you, to send him text messages or give him a call.
Lee Hernandez, who is under hospice care at his home in New Braunfels, Texas, has continuous strokes that have affected his vision and cognitive abilities. The 47-year-old’s body is deteriorating despite three brain surgeries, according to his wife, Ernestine Hernandez.
Doctors have not been able to pinpoint a cause for Lee’s illness and said there is nothing more they can do but make him comfortable.
'I guess no one wants to talk to me'
Despite the circumstances, Ernestine discovered a simple but meaningful way to brighten Lee’s day: phone calls and text messages from others.
The request came after Lee asked his wife to hold onto his phone one day “in case someone calls.” After nearly two hours with no calls, Lee told his wife, “I guess no one wants to talk to me.”
“It broke my heart,” said Ernestine. “(Lee’s) speech is not very well, so many people didn’t take much interest or want to talk to him.”
She reached out to “Caregivers of Wounded Warriors” to spread Lee’s request. “They are an excellent support group of wives and ladies who know the struggles of what we go through," Ernestine said.
Lee is an 18½-year Army veteran who served a tour in Iraq.
Since the Arizona Veterans Forum posted his last wish on Facebook, Lee has received an influx of calls. Many come from veterans and people who want to let him know he is not alone. Ernestine says “a lot of people call to pray with him. It really uplifts him.” She reads text messages and cards to Lee, who is blind, and says he loves to listen to the outpouring of support.
The 47-year-old has been battling health issues for five years but hit “rock bottom” more than a year ago. Ernestine says her husband is a “fighter” and has “beaten the odds and his strong will keeps him going.”
“Thank you everyone for your calls and support. I am trying to give him the best life I am able to with the help of my mom,” Ernestine said.
People who want to call or text Lee should reach out in the evening hours, ideally between 2 and 6 p.m Arizona time. Ernestine said that is when Lee is alert despite heavy pain medication.
The phone number to reach the Hernandezes is 210-632-6778.
Ernestine adds that if they don’t answer the phone every time, it’s not that they don’t care, but some days Lee is in an incredible amount of pain.
“The experience is very painful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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fleecethread on July 14th, 2017 at 16:03 UTC »
Some of us should wait a few days or weeks so it's not all an influx of calls now and then back to nothing.
THEDrunkPossum on July 14th, 2017 at 15:15 UTC »
Arizona is GMT -7:00. In the USA, 2-6pm in AZ Falls on the following times for respective time zones:
PT: 2-6PM MT: 3-7PM CT: 4-8PM ET: 5-9PM
Hawaii: 11a-3p Alaska: 1-5PM
I know no one here is that stupid, but I know y'all are lazy.
nowholdon on July 14th, 2017 at 14:51 UTC »
"People who want to call or text Lee should reach out in the evening hours, ideally between 2 and 6 p.m Arizona time."
Let's keep this part in mind. I'll be texting him this evening, for sure.
EDIT: Please see Needin63's comment below.
From the Facebook page of the organization that's passing this request. NOTE: They specifically ask we don't overwhelm them so be judicious in contacting.
"Good evening folks! I am asking for a favor from all you veterans! There is an Army veteran, Lee, who currently has hospice in his home. I do not know all the details, BUT what I do know is his wife told me he asked to hold his phone and when she asked why he said, "incase someone calls". After 2 hours and no calls he told his wife, "I guess no one wants to talk to me". Below is his number, if you want to take 5 minutes out of your day tomorrow and call him I know it will brighten his day. He is blind so his wife can read a text but he cannot. Please let Lee know that the veterans in Arizona are thinking of him!! Currently, I am asking that no one else shares this post. I LOVE that it has already been shared 16 times, but I am afraid it my overwhelm Lee. Stay tuned as I will talk to his wife tomorrow and verify that she is ok with sharing all over!! Anyone who wants to call him feel free 210-632-6778 (he is is Texas)"
EDIT 2 - I'm starting to get messages from people asking me about Lee. I don't know Lee or his family. I just commented early on about people making sure not to call too early.