Simon Marmolejo: Angel on Earth
Donation protected
Simon Marmolejo is my cousin's son. He is one of a kind: a jewel that shines with optimism and grace. He was born with Autism and has fought his whole life to adjust to our definition of normal. Just over a year ago, Simon complained of leg pain. The doctor's found cancer: osteosarcoma. An ugly, aggressive cancer that ultimately took Simon's leg.
Simon adjusted to life without a leg. He continued to smile through the tough chemotherapy and physical therapy. He adjusted to life with a prosthetic leg, a walker and a wheel chair. His recent trip to Houston's MD Anderson brought a little hope as he was accepted into a study for a new chemotherapy that directed chemo through aspiration directly to the lungs. Simon never made it back to Houston to begin the study.
A freshman in high school, Simon is in Texas Children's Hospital in El Paso, TX; his lungs are full of cancerous tumors and the doctor's are trying to make him comfortable as all options have been exhausted. Even as cancer is ravaging his body, Simon remains upbeat and full of spirit. He is visited daily by family, friends, and admirers. People who have been touched by his smile, his easy way of looking at life and his sense of humor. When I ask how he's doing he always says "I'm alright."
Yes you are little cousin. Yes you are.
These extreme couple of years of medical expenses, loss of wages, transportation, et.al. trying to save their child from cancer has hit the Marmolejo family hard. My cousin has 4 kids: 1 is on his own and starting his life; 1 is in college and making her way; and the 2 boys that are home with them both have Autism, which poses a whole other crop of issues. This family has been hit over, and over, again. Now they face the extremely emotional and costly reality of planning for the burial of their youngest son. I can't cure cancer or take it away. I can't explain God's plan to them. But I can do this.
I hope to raise enough money to help the Marmolejo's feel relief during this hard time. I pray that all who choose to make a personal gift for the Marmolejo family appreciate the good health of their loved ones and not take it for granted. Hug your children close. And as my cousin Danny tells me: Sometimes we take one day at a time, and sometimes we just go hour-by-hour or minute-by-minute.
Do what you can.
Simon adjusted to life without a leg. He continued to smile through the tough chemotherapy and physical therapy. He adjusted to life with a prosthetic leg, a walker and a wheel chair. His recent trip to Houston's MD Anderson brought a little hope as he was accepted into a study for a new chemotherapy that directed chemo through aspiration directly to the lungs. Simon never made it back to Houston to begin the study.
A freshman in high school, Simon is in Texas Children's Hospital in El Paso, TX; his lungs are full of cancerous tumors and the doctor's are trying to make him comfortable as all options have been exhausted. Even as cancer is ravaging his body, Simon remains upbeat and full of spirit. He is visited daily by family, friends, and admirers. People who have been touched by his smile, his easy way of looking at life and his sense of humor. When I ask how he's doing he always says "I'm alright."
Yes you are little cousin. Yes you are.
These extreme couple of years of medical expenses, loss of wages, transportation, et.al. trying to save their child from cancer has hit the Marmolejo family hard. My cousin has 4 kids: 1 is on his own and starting his life; 1 is in college and making her way; and the 2 boys that are home with them both have Autism, which poses a whole other crop of issues. This family has been hit over, and over, again. Now they face the extremely emotional and costly reality of planning for the burial of their youngest son. I can't cure cancer or take it away. I can't explain God's plan to them. But I can do this.
I hope to raise enough money to help the Marmolejo's feel relief during this hard time. I pray that all who choose to make a personal gift for the Marmolejo family appreciate the good health of their loved ones and not take it for granted. Hug your children close. And as my cousin Danny tells me: Sometimes we take one day at a time, and sometimes we just go hour-by-hour or minute-by-minute.
Do what you can.
Organizer
Renee Chavira O'Neill
Organizer
Missouri City, TX
