Help Jose!
Donation protected
Jose and Lorena Gonzalez own the Dallas favorite, El Jordan Cafe in Bishop Arts. They've been a staple in the community for over 20 years.
Having frequented El Jordan for more than 10 years, we have gotten to know this sweet couple and all the "family" that work for them. For the past 2 years, unbeknownst to almost everyone, Jose has been silently battling cancer. All the while, working hard to serve his community with a joyfulness unmatched by most. One of their longest committed employees let us know about his situation and asked that we pray for him and his family.
Jose is one of the hardest working, kindest, most humble men we've ever had the pleasure to know. In his very little free time (because he is a small business owner and works 8+hrs, 6 days a week), he co-pastors a church and when he travels back to Mexico, he spends his time preaching at various churches. He also helps financially support family members in Mexico by sending money every month. Literally earning every penny by the sweat of his brow, this man has faithfully served Oak Cliff and loved his patrons for 23 years.
Jose is only 63 years old. According to his wife, he has already endured 2 rounds of radiation and been on chemotherapy pills in just 2 years since his diagnosis. Tragically, he received the news this week that the cancer has metastasized to his liver. He will be meeting with his Texas Oncology doctor later this week to discuss treatment options. Interveineous chemo is likely the next step. This means that, inevitably, we will see less of his bright eyes and warm smile around the kitchen as the chemo takes its toll.
Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way in our lives. We all know the fight is not easy and that no matter how determined Jose is to work... there will come a time when he MUST rest. Through all of his pain and treatment, all he does is worry about not being at work. He comes into work sometimes and ends up having to go to the hospital because he doesn't feel well. But the man can't bear the thought that the restaurant may not have the groceries they need if he didn't do the early morning run.
We are setting up this GoFundMe in hopes and with faith that this amazing Oak Cliff community (and beyond) will step up and support this pillar of our community with not only funds, but love and prayers, good thoughts, and hugs.
Jose is not yet aware that this is being done for him. We did get permission from his wife Lorena, of course (after some serious convincing). She was very reluctant to seem like they were asking for anything from anyone... They have been fighting quietly and struggling for 2 years! We insisted that she allow us to love and serve them the way they have loved and served us throughout the many years they have opened their doors to our community.
We are hoping to see an outpour that overwhelms this family with love and lifts them up in their time of great need! Medical bills are already beyond manageable and will only grow as the treatment progresses. They will most likely need to hire help as Jose finds he has to rest and all of the regular business bills have to get paid as well.
We chose a goal that we feel is both attainable for our community and life-changing for this sweet family. The bills won't stop anytime soon. So, let's rally around this great man and exceed our goal!
Having frequented El Jordan for more than 10 years, we have gotten to know this sweet couple and all the "family" that work for them. For the past 2 years, unbeknownst to almost everyone, Jose has been silently battling cancer. All the while, working hard to serve his community with a joyfulness unmatched by most. One of their longest committed employees let us know about his situation and asked that we pray for him and his family.
Jose is one of the hardest working, kindest, most humble men we've ever had the pleasure to know. In his very little free time (because he is a small business owner and works 8+hrs, 6 days a week), he co-pastors a church and when he travels back to Mexico, he spends his time preaching at various churches. He also helps financially support family members in Mexico by sending money every month. Literally earning every penny by the sweat of his brow, this man has faithfully served Oak Cliff and loved his patrons for 23 years.
Jose is only 63 years old. According to his wife, he has already endured 2 rounds of radiation and been on chemotherapy pills in just 2 years since his diagnosis. Tragically, he received the news this week that the cancer has metastasized to his liver. He will be meeting with his Texas Oncology doctor later this week to discuss treatment options. Interveineous chemo is likely the next step. This means that, inevitably, we will see less of his bright eyes and warm smile around the kitchen as the chemo takes its toll.
Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way in our lives. We all know the fight is not easy and that no matter how determined Jose is to work... there will come a time when he MUST rest. Through all of his pain and treatment, all he does is worry about not being at work. He comes into work sometimes and ends up having to go to the hospital because he doesn't feel well. But the man can't bear the thought that the restaurant may not have the groceries they need if he didn't do the early morning run.
We are setting up this GoFundMe in hopes and with faith that this amazing Oak Cliff community (and beyond) will step up and support this pillar of our community with not only funds, but love and prayers, good thoughts, and hugs.
Jose is not yet aware that this is being done for him. We did get permission from his wife Lorena, of course (after some serious convincing). She was very reluctant to seem like they were asking for anything from anyone... They have been fighting quietly and struggling for 2 years! We insisted that she allow us to love and serve them the way they have loved and served us throughout the many years they have opened their doors to our community.
We are hoping to see an outpour that overwhelms this family with love and lifts them up in their time of great need! Medical bills are already beyond manageable and will only grow as the treatment progresses. They will most likely need to hire help as Jose finds he has to rest and all of the regular business bills have to get paid as well.
We chose a goal that we feel is both attainable for our community and life-changing for this sweet family. The bills won't stop anytime soon. So, let's rally around this great man and exceed our goal!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Woodruff
Organizer
Dallas, TX
Lorena Gonzalez
Beneficiary
