Dan Zapata and Family Fund

On May 3, 2021 we were told my husband, Dan Zapata has cancer. We were completely shocked as no one expects this diagnosis. As he began further testing and multiple scans, it was determined that he has advance stage 3 rectal cancer.  After meeting with his cancer team, it was agreed by all that because of the advance stage an aggressive treatment plan is the best approach in beating this. 

Normally, surgery would be the first step for this type of cancer, but due to the size it is not an option at this time. Dan is scheduled to start his first bi-weekly round of chemotherapy on May 26, 2021. He will go through chemotherapy for 4-5 months then a 5 week round of radiation treatment. Then finally, surgery to remove any remaining cancer. If all goes according to his treatment plan and he is able to endure the high amounts of chemo Dan will be fighting this for roughly the remaining of the year. 

As many of you know, Dan is a tattooer at the Royal Peacock in Sacramento, California. Tattooing is his passion! I’ve watched him grow so much as a tattooer over the years and I am very proud of him. He is always telling me and others it’s not only about giving his clients the best tattoo - it’s also giving them an enjoyable experience that they will remember. Unfortunately, he had to close his books and take some time off after being diagnosed as his energy level was dropping. He will try to go in during treatment as much as he his able too. But as of right now, we do not plan on him returning full time until the beginning of 2022. 

All of this has come upon our family very quickly. The support from our family and friends has been encouraging and thankfully we do have insurance to help, but the cost of deductibles, co-pays, any out of network doctors and procedures can be overwhelming. We have a long road ahead, both physically and financially and we are forever grateful for all the help we receive! 

Thank you!

Janee Zapata ❤️