HOUSTON - Patrick Medrano, a 45-year old father, is fighting for his life in a hospital after he contracted the flu in January.
Medrano, a well-known artist and musician in Houston, is now receiving support from more than 70 local artists.
"This is actually going to be in the live auction tonight," said Tra Slaughter an artist and friend of Medrano. "This is Patrick’s latest painting."
Saturday evening, local artists and collectors filled Mother Dog Studios to bid on Medrano's latest piece and dozens of other donated artwork.
Medrano's wife Katy attended the fundraising effort. Medrano, was expected to watch the event through cellphone video because he's still hospitalized.
"We actually had the flu at the same time," said Slaughter, who was able to make a full recovery.
Medrano's flu, "that turned into pneumonia. It turns out that some of his organs were beginning to shut down. And he was intubated and put into a medical-induced coma for eight days."
Friend Jennifer McQuade is keeping up with Medrano's medical care. "Now a month later, still extremely debilitated and dealing with complications. It’s pretty crazy."
Medrano and his wife Katy are both artists. She's been by his bedside ever since he was admitted into the hospital. With no steady income, the donations, friends hope will help the Medrano family with hospital bills and daily needs.
"It’s artists helping artists," said Slaughter. "To know him and to know what he does with his hands, what they normally look like, Yeah, it’s just really emotional."
Friends have also setup a GoFundMe page.