Angel's Fund to Fight Lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is a common type of non-Hodgkin cancer affecting people of all ages. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma means the disease is treatable and curable via chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem-cell transplant, or medications.

Follicular lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, which we all know helps fight infections and some diseases in the body. The lymphatic system is made up mostly of white blood cells; more specifically, B-cells and T-cells. B-cells are extremely important to the immune system as these cells create proteins called antibodies that protect us against bacteria and viruses.

When the B-cells become abnormal in size and shape, they collect into lymph nodes, known as follicles, where the term follicular lymphoma comes from. Any abnormal cell has the potential to be cancerous. As the lymph nodes swell, pain ensues, generally in the affected lymph nodes, belly, and/or chest. We carry immune system cells throughout our body, meaning abnormal lymph nodes can virtually grow anywhere. As of today, we don’t know what causes follicular lymphoma; follicular lymphoma is not contagious. 

My name is Angel Crespo, a 38-year-old male. I’ve lived an overall healthy life. I exercise regularly and eat in a healthy manner. I am married to a beautiful woman, America Crespo, and we have two small boys; Aquilles (7) and Valentino (4) Crespo . Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma cancer. As a family man, I was devastated and concerned about the outcome of this disease. I thought of questions I assume most people learning they have cancer ask themselves: Will I survive? Will I be able to cope with treatment? How will my family survive/cope with this? Does my insurance cover the treatment? How will I pay for all the medical expenses as the only breadwinner in my home?

I am grateful to have learned that my type of cancer is a slow growing cancer and has been detected at an early stage. My specialist, Dr. Jorge Lequizamo, and his team have been working diligently with me to get cured as soon as possible. My treatment sessions have just begun but we are very optimistic that after treatment, I will live a long and healthy life, free of future carcinogenic cells. As with any cancer, lymph nodes can begin growing again at any time and I will have to face treatment. However, for the time being, I am focused on a cancer-free life with my family and friends and will fight this disease if and when it returns.

I am turning to my family and friends, close and far away, to lend a helping hand in my time of need. As most of you may know, I would not ask anything of you if my need wasn’t dire. Your help will be very much appreciated, not only by me, but by my family as well. We will forever be indebted to you. Whether it is $1, $5, $20 or more, I hope that you realize your contribution will have a great impact on my ability to support myself and my family financially while I cure and rid my body of this painful disease. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I have attached two links with further information on follicular lymphoma cancer for your perusal.

I am a soldier and with your help, I will win this battle. May God be in your hearts and with you and your family now and always.

 Sincerely,

 

Angel Crespo

 

References:

https://www.lymphomas.org.uk/about-lymphoma/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/follicular-lymphoma#whogetsfl

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/what-is-non-hodgkin-lymphoma.html