Manuel Chavez Memorial Fund

It is with much sadness in my heart that I write this update for Manny and his family.   He has given up his ghost and lost his battle with cancer. Manny passed away Saturday November 17th surrounded by family and friends.   He passed in the comfort of his own home and knowing that we all loved him and will carry on his memory.  He is survived by his mother, sisters, daughters, grandchildren and son-in laws.   My journey with Manny began when I met him at IDF Studio Scenery and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be blessed by his smile and the kindness he had in his heart.  His memory will live on forever in our hearts and I know that he would want us all to smile and pass on the good memories we shared with him.  Today his 4-year-old grandchildren said to me, my grandpa has gone to heaven and has become an angel. He will watch over us and take care of us and we will see him again someday and play like we did.   I chocked back the tears and smiled knowing that if those wonderful children can be so brave then so can I. Thank you Manuel Chavez for being one of the good ones.

At this time, I am unsure when the memorial will be held however I will certainly provide an update to all once that information is known.

Thank you to all who have donated in the past and to anyone who can or will donate in this time of need.  He loved every single one of you and sent his love and thanks to you all. Manuel Antonio Chavez was a special human and one to be remember.

Thank you and please feel free to share this and help raise funds for his memorial.

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This is what I had originally wrote when we learned of Manny's Cancer:

Cancer is why I’m writing to ask for everyone to rally and extend a helping hand to Manny and his family in this time of need.   

I’m writing this on behalf of a genuine, amazing kind-hearted individual Manuel Chavez.  My chapter in Manny’s book began nearly two years ago when I joined the team at IDF Studio Scenery.  He took me under his wing and quickly became a dear friend and mentor.  Many of you are hearing this for the first time, Manny has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer and has begun his journey to rid his body of this deadly disease.  

The thing with cancer is you never know when it will hit or what its target might be. You may think - this is simply gas or maybe it’s my gall bladder -  when in fact tests reveal Stage 4 Liver Cancer. Words that no one ever wants to hear – not about them, a friend, family or even just another soul. Now faced with the facts, it is time to move through life with the changing news and know that tomorrow does not hold the same plan for you as it did the day before. Each day becomes more meaningful, each smile or hug; each time you wake up you realize that it could have been the last day.  Rally and help Manny fight to live another day!!! 

 I’ve known Manny for a short time and it saddens me that a few short months ago he was planning his well-deserved retirement and now he has depleted his life savings and is living to save his life and rid his body of Cancer.  We are all thankful that Manny is now focusing on saving his life and it is with news like this that you realize that LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A DOLLAR – BUT… WITHOUT THE DOLLAR YOUR LIFE MAY NOT CONTINUE.  The medical bills continue to pile up and this is why I ask for any help that you or anyone you know can provide. 

 As Manny’s story continues, it is with each passing day that we look forward to receiving good news from future tests. We can all hope and pray that surgery was successful and that there will be no return of this life changing disease.  I will post updates as the journey continues!  

THANK YOU to all who have chosen to become involved - Cheers to life and fighting to live another day – and please be thankful that your feet hit the ground and embrace each passing day.

Thank you & WE LOVE YOU MANNY!!!

 Carolyn McClintock