Florida Father Dies of Coronavirus Leaving Children Orphans [Mom Died of Cancer]

On August 2, Alfonso Cardenas died after battling coronavirus for about six weeks. Now, his three children are orphans and are in the care of their uncle.

Sole parent and support

The Florida father had been the sole parent and support of his three children after his wife, Clara Gomez, died of cancer. Gomez had battled with the disease for 12 years before she left to be with the Creator.

Twin sisters, Jhoana and Alejandra, 20, and brother, Ivan, 14, recalled their dad's care for them. In the last six years, Cardenas had been both a mom and dad for them. Jhoana said that their dad would listen to them to make sure that they have someone to talk to. She explained that to make sure that they were happy and fulfilled all the time, their father would do everything in his power.

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Cardenas' worked at a funeral home as a family service counselor; his job revolved around helping others. He also worked as a coach at a local soccer club to coach his children when they were six years old.

Life of the party

Jhoana said that they grew up believing that there is a solution for every problem because their dad was always very positive in life. She also said that their father was always the life of the party. She explained that whenever there is music being played Cardenas would always want to dance. When his children disagree to dance with him, he would start dancing silly.

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How his disease progressed

On the weekend of Father's Day, Cardenas became very ill. He spent one week in bed while having chills before he asked his daughters to bring him to the hospital. He got tested for the coronavirus and was sent home to wait for the results for three to five days.

As they waited, his condition worsened. During the first weeks of July, Jhoana took Cardenas to Tampa General Hospital but was sent home again. Three days later, he could not get out of bed and had shortness of breath. His daughter brought him to the same hospital again until he died.

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Cardenas' children Facetimed him twice since they could not visit him at the hospital, where he was intubated and sedated. They made sure to tell him that they love him even though he could not talk with them.

Children got allowed to visit him

On the day of Cardenas' death, his children were allowed to visit him. Doctors said that their dad had tested negative and was no longer contagious. The children had no idea how their father got the disease because he barely left the house.

Now, the three siblings are still living in their house with their paternal uncle. They are relying on extended families and friends for help. The twins are attending college while their little brother has started high school. One of their best friends has started a GoFundMe page to help with their expenses.