Support Steve Velasquez on his road to recovery!
Donation protected
Diagnosis/Beginning:
August 21st, 2018 was the day that we will never forget. Our dad, Steve Velasquez, was diagnosed with Stage IV Gastric Cancer. News that no one ever expects to hear and is never prepared for. The next few days were filled with many and all emotions, questions, what if’s, and a lot of praying. This was a huge shock to everyone who knows Steve because of his young age (47 at the time of diagnosis) and good physical shape. The Oncologist explained the diagnosis as Stage IV Ulcerated Invasive Gastric Adenocarcinoma with cancer in the lining of his stomach and fluid surrounding the stomach. He also had two blood clots in his liver and a tumor on his portal vein that the doctors were monitoring very closely. Upon diagnosis, my parents sought out as many opinions as possible, researching cancer treatment centers all across the United States. After countless appointments, tests, bloodwork, and scans they decided to go with the recommended treatment of chemotherapy.
Who Steve Is:
Our dad is the hardest working person we know and has taught us a ton about life and becoming men. He never wants to take a handout and wants to earn everything he gets in life. Him allowing us to start this campaign was a tough thing for him to say okay to. If you know me or my brothers, we are the same way and that is because of him and my mom raising us the right way. One perfect example to portray our dad: From the first day he was diagnosed with cancer he continued to go to work day-in and day-out. He runs his one-man painting company and takes great pride in his work. Even though my mom and all of us would tell him he is working too hard he continued to fight and get jobs done. Some days he would get done with his chemotherapy treatments and would go work a couple hours just to show he is fighting and determined to continue to provide for our family. That’s what being a man and father is all about to me and there is no better example than my dad!
Steve has been married to Mary Velasquez for 30 years and they continue to embody what a true relationship should look like and have been unbelievable example for their kids and grandkids. They have three sons, Bryse (29), Tyler (27), and Tynan (21). Steve is also a grandfather to four beautiful grandsons. Bryse is the father to Jayse (7), Conner (6), Liam (2), and Grayson (1).
Current Situation:
We have hit the one-year mark with no progress. Steve’s cancer is an extremely aggressive form that hasn’t responded to his chemotherapy treatments. He’s struggled with painful neuropathy, intense cold sensitivity, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, you name it. Over the year, he has changed chemotherapy types three different times. Steve changed treatments each time due to worsening side effects. The side effects from the most recent treatment have forced him to stop working. With the accumulating side effects and inability to work, Steve has ultimately decided to stop his chemotherapy treatments and explore alternate therapy options. At the end of September, Steve and Mary will be traveling to a cancer treatment facility in Tijuana, Mexico that they were referred to by several close family friends. They will be staying at the facility for an estimated 4-5 weeks, timeline depending on his progress. This alternate therapy will not be covered by insurance, but without response from traditional treatment here in the United States, it is something that we must try. We are asking for your support in any way you can help! Donations are greatly appreciated, but that is not the only way you can help! The power of prayer can go a long way and leaving a comment on our campaign with good wishes can also make an impact on Steve’s day. However you can help is appreciated, even if it’s only sharing this campaign to your social media accounts! Thank you all for taking the time to read this. We are looking forward to fighting this battle with Steve and sharing many many more years together!!!
August 21st, 2018 was the day that we will never forget. Our dad, Steve Velasquez, was diagnosed with Stage IV Gastric Cancer. News that no one ever expects to hear and is never prepared for. The next few days were filled with many and all emotions, questions, what if’s, and a lot of praying. This was a huge shock to everyone who knows Steve because of his young age (47 at the time of diagnosis) and good physical shape. The Oncologist explained the diagnosis as Stage IV Ulcerated Invasive Gastric Adenocarcinoma with cancer in the lining of his stomach and fluid surrounding the stomach. He also had two blood clots in his liver and a tumor on his portal vein that the doctors were monitoring very closely. Upon diagnosis, my parents sought out as many opinions as possible, researching cancer treatment centers all across the United States. After countless appointments, tests, bloodwork, and scans they decided to go with the recommended treatment of chemotherapy.
Who Steve Is:
Our dad is the hardest working person we know and has taught us a ton about life and becoming men. He never wants to take a handout and wants to earn everything he gets in life. Him allowing us to start this campaign was a tough thing for him to say okay to. If you know me or my brothers, we are the same way and that is because of him and my mom raising us the right way. One perfect example to portray our dad: From the first day he was diagnosed with cancer he continued to go to work day-in and day-out. He runs his one-man painting company and takes great pride in his work. Even though my mom and all of us would tell him he is working too hard he continued to fight and get jobs done. Some days he would get done with his chemotherapy treatments and would go work a couple hours just to show he is fighting and determined to continue to provide for our family. That’s what being a man and father is all about to me and there is no better example than my dad!
Steve has been married to Mary Velasquez for 30 years and they continue to embody what a true relationship should look like and have been unbelievable example for their kids and grandkids. They have three sons, Bryse (29), Tyler (27), and Tynan (21). Steve is also a grandfather to four beautiful grandsons. Bryse is the father to Jayse (7), Conner (6), Liam (2), and Grayson (1).
Current Situation:
We have hit the one-year mark with no progress. Steve’s cancer is an extremely aggressive form that hasn’t responded to his chemotherapy treatments. He’s struggled with painful neuropathy, intense cold sensitivity, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, you name it. Over the year, he has changed chemotherapy types three different times. Steve changed treatments each time due to worsening side effects. The side effects from the most recent treatment have forced him to stop working. With the accumulating side effects and inability to work, Steve has ultimately decided to stop his chemotherapy treatments and explore alternate therapy options. At the end of September, Steve and Mary will be traveling to a cancer treatment facility in Tijuana, Mexico that they were referred to by several close family friends. They will be staying at the facility for an estimated 4-5 weeks, timeline depending on his progress. This alternate therapy will not be covered by insurance, but without response from traditional treatment here in the United States, it is something that we must try. We are asking for your support in any way you can help! Donations are greatly appreciated, but that is not the only way you can help! The power of prayer can go a long way and leaving a comment on our campaign with good wishes can also make an impact on Steve’s day. However you can help is appreciated, even if it’s only sharing this campaign to your social media accounts! Thank you all for taking the time to read this. We are looking forward to fighting this battle with Steve and sharing many many more years together!!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Bryse Velasquez
Organizer
Colorado Springs, CO
STEVE VELASQUEZ
Beneficiary
Begin your fundraising journey
