It’s never easy for one to admit when they need help or for them to ask for help, but my family and I need help now more than ever. My family has always been one of humble and modest means, faithful believers in the Lord always providing what we need when needed most and He not giving us more than we can handle. Even so, it has now been 5 long and hard years of my father, Armando “Andy” Luna, battling cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He’s gone into remission twice but his 3rd lapse 2 years ago came back stronger than ever and he has since been receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston.

Both my father and mother, Virginia Luna, originally from Victoria, TX have been living with my brother, Javier Luna and I in Houston for over 2 years now while my father has been receiving treatment. My family was blessed and fortunate that my brother and I were living together on a rental property in west Houston with extra bedrooms that were intended for family to stay when visiting but has become home for my parents. This has spared the family countless dollars on room and board and made it convenient for dad’s care. With my brother and I both single and working, we were able to manage the extra expenses and care for my parents while here in Houston, unfortunately my brothers and my health have deteriorated as well.

Last year, 2018 was tough for me as I was in and out of the hospital due to a foot injury that got infected after getting in the pool and hot tub at the gym, a word of advice, don’t get into a public hot tub with an open wound or risk serious infection. This happened in May 2018 and had me in and out of the hospital with multiple surgeries before I was back on my feet again and better in February of this year. During that time my brother began developing neck issues that resulted in him requiring major cervical spine surgery in the spring. Shortly after returning to work, he developed severe lumbar issues that required emergency surgery in early July. Almost 5 months later my brother is still out on long-term disability and unable to stand or walk. He is home now getting home care and therapy but has a long road to recovery and walking again.

The long duration of my father’s continued fight with cancer and the addition of my brothers’ medical condition, cost and reduced income on disability has put a major financial strain on the family. We have been blessed that my father qualified for clinical trials that covered some, but not all the cost of his treatment, we all have insurance so the cost has not all been out-of-pocket and my brother and I have been blessed with jobs to cover much of the additional expenses initially. The glue that keeps all together and going is my mother who has been the primary caregiver for all of us during this time, but it has had a toll on her health as well. Caring for both my father and brother is difficult, draining and stressful, you feel helpless much of the time, as there is only so much you can do for them due to their conditions.

I just know that I can no longer bare the financial burden alone and trying to avoid a financial debt resulting in bankruptcy. I just don’t want my family having to choose between seeing the doctor or having food on the table, their health over bills or vehicle repairs. I wish I could provide everything my family needed, but I know I can’t. There’s only so much I can do on my own and within my control. It has a toll on my parents being away from their home and their grandbabies back in Victoria, but they must stay near MD Anderson for times dad is ill.

Dad has an extremely low immune system, requiring periodic blood work to determine if he needs a blood and/or platelet transfusion, hemoglobin, magnesium or other infusions. We have purrell all over the place to prevent him from getting sick, he looks like Cobra from GI Joe when he goes outside the house because he wears a mask and gloves to keep from getting sick. We must be careful to stay away from sick people in public or risk being carrier s and getting dad sick. Sickness for him means an ER visit to MD Anderson and likely a several days stay in the hospital. There’s so much more I can say about the daily challenges of both my father and brothers’ conditions and care, your continued prayers and support have been much appreciated and helpful, If you are able to assist financially, we would be forever grateful.

If we had the time and in Victoria, we would host a benefit BBQ or fundraiser for my dad and brother there, in lieu of that I am setting up this gofundme account to help cover their medical expenses as well as everyday expenses as they focus on recovering. In addition to this gofundme page an account has been setup with Chase bank if you’d like to make direct donations instead. For Chase account information or if you would like to contact us privately you can email us at [email redacted]. 

Thank y’all for your continued prayers and support!