A GoFundMe page has been started for a Union City native who was a standout basketball player who made the high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and is now fighting for his life in the ICU.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“On the night of April 6th, 2025, everything changed in an instant. In the middle of the night, Justin [Sanchez] — a healthy, energetic, loving husband and father — suddenly suffered a seizure in his sleep,” Tobin Jacob wrote in the GoFundMe page description.
“Moments later, his heart stopped. He went into cardiac arrest, and his heart stopped beating for 18 excruciating minutes. By the grace of God, and the quick actions of his wife Stephanie, and a brave responding police officer and ambulance, Justin made it to the hospital alive. Now he’s fighting for his life.”
The description continues that the father of four remains unconscious and dependent on a ventilator to breath, as well as that Sanchez is a man of faith who has always helped others and he now deserves some generosity in return.
The fundraising effort for the five-person family, who nows lives in Boonton, set a goal of $150,000 and has already hit $26,465 as of 2:40 p.m. this afternoon.
“We’re asking for your help to cover: emergency and ongoing hospital care, rehabilitation and therapy, home and childcare support for Stephanie and the kids, and basic living expenses while Justin is unable to work,” the page also says.
“No one ever expects to be in this situation. But we know we’re not alone. We know that love stretches far and wide — and we believe in the power of community.”
This is so very tragic. Sending prayers. I hope this isn’t a result of the Vax like so many.