North Dartmouth Family Suffering After Dad Forced to Amputate Foot [HOLIDAY WISH]

Holiday Wish is back on Fun 107 and the SouthCoast is coming to the aid of several local families that need a helping hand. Alongside the United Way of Greater New Bedford, Fun 107 is working hard to make the holidays a little brighter for five lucky families that were nominated by loving people in their lives. So far, the Martin family and the Mignault family have been granted generous donations from the community. Let’s keep the giving going for the Arruda family from North Dartmouth.

Aristides Arruda suffers from back pain. Recently, he had to have his second surgery due to a dislocated disc. One week later, he began experiencing extreme pain in his legs. His daughter and wife called the ambulance, and after a few hours of running tests, they discovered he had blood clots in both legs.

“His main artery was also full of blood clots,” said his daughter, Tania Arruda. “The doctor that was at the emergency room was able to save his life.”

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After two surgeries, the blood clots were removed, but after three days, a terrible infection spread, forcing doctors to amputate his foot. He would remain in the hospital for the next 26 days.

Their insurance covers a very small portion of the medical bills, and with Aristides out of work, the family has no form of income. This doesn’t sit well with Aristides, who has been caught trying to drive a few times to try and find a new job.

Aristides works incredibly hard to provide for his family. His wife, Maria, is extremely involved in the community.

“Anyone that knows my parents knows that they are always helping without expecting anything back,” Tania said.

Now, it’s our turn to help them. Here is how to help the Arruda family this holiday season.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES21 to 243725. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street, Suite 105, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card HERE. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through the United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the United Way directly.