Richard Reyes, affectionately known as Pancho Claus, is facing serious health challenges as he embarks on his 42nd year of spreading Christmas joy to children across Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
Pancho Claus says he is having open heart surgery and a double bypass with an expected recovery time of six weeks in the hospital. He’s canceling all appearances except the Pancho Claus Project.
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“This I can do by coordinating volunteers and helpers from my bed through phone and computer,” Pancho wrote on Facebook.
The 73-year-old holiday icon, known for his zoot suits and lowrider sleigh, is determined to distribute 20,000 toys this year but says he has raised only $90 in the first week of his fundraising campaign.
Reyes, who calls himself Santa Claus’ cousin from the South Pole, is battling high blood pressure, low blood sugar, and a rapid heart rate, according to his recent Facebook post.
In a subsequent Facebook post, Reyes confirmed his doctors told him he suffered a heart attack and would be undergoing an operation Monday morning.
On Monday, Reyes spoke to KPRC 2 and said he was supposed to get a stent put in Monday morning, however, doctors discovered one artery is 100% blocked while another is 90% blocked. Because of this, Reyes says he will undergo a double bypass next week.
He says his recovery will take six weeks and he is concerned he may have to hire people to get the gifts to the children.
How You Can Help Pancho Claus
Here’s how you can support Pancho Claus in his mission to bring joy to children this Christmas:
- Donate to the GoFundMe Campaign: Visit Pancho Claus’ GoFundMe page to contribute directly.
- Send Donations via Cash App: Use $panchoclause to send your support.
- Contribute via Zelle: Send donations to richard@panchoclaus.com.
- Use PayPal: Transfer your contribution to 7132080606.
- Mail a Check:
- Address: Casa Ramirez
- 241 West 19th St., Houston, Texas 77008
- Make checks payable to: Pancho Claus Arts
- Spread the Word: Share his story on social media and encourage friends and family to donate or volunteer.
