Texas veteran's dying wish was to hear from people; overwhelming support crashed his phone

Lee received over 100,000 text messages, GoFundMe update says

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – A dying veteran's wish was to hear from you, and on Sunday a friend of Army veteran Lee Hernandez's family posted an update saying the overwhelming support crashed his phone.

"The fact that people contacted him and there were people who cared, has really made a dramatic effect on Lee's mood and spirit and overall health," an update posted to a GoFundMe page for Hernandez said. "Today he has had one of the best days in a long time and even danced!"

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Last week, a Facebook post on the Arizona Veterans Fourm said Hernandez, 47, who suffers from a mystery illness that causes him to have strokes that affect his vision and cognitive abilities, recently asked his wife to hold his cell phone for him. 

Read the initial story: San Antonio area veteran's dying wish is to talk to you: 210-632-6778 

When his wife asked why, Hernandez said, "In case someone calls," but after two hours and a silent phone, Hernandez told his wife "I guess no one wants to talk to me."

The heartbreaking post to the veterans forum prompted people from across the globe to send over 100,000 text messages and make countless calls to offer well wishes to the dying veteran.

While the support has lifted Hernandez's spirits, Hernandez still has other needs including a contraption to transport his motorized wheelchair.

The GoFundMe page for the veteran says Hernandez's wife has already submitted paperwork to Veteran Affairs to get the device installed in their car, but they expect a 15-month delay, if not longer.

The family is looking for a more immediate solution that will allow Hernandez to get to appointments and go on excursions as Hernandez's health deteriorates.

"We don't like saying that Lee's time is short, but the doctors have said that there is nothing else they can do for Lee and he is home on hospice," the update said. "Our goal is to fill this season of his life with all the joy that we can."

Read more about the GoFundMe page here.

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