Let's Help a Colorado Rapids Family

A member of the Colorado Rapids soccer family is going through a very difficult time.  Marcel Yapi is the father of Darren (13 years old - U14 DA) Boris (15 years old - U17 Select) and Briana (10 years old). In May of 2017, Marcel was diagnosed with cancer. In order to relieve the economic burden associated with the expensive and painful treatment, we will raise money for the Yapi family.

Marcel is suffering from Parotid Gland Cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid).  The medical plan included him having immediate surgery as the tumor was growing quickly.  Marcel's initial surgery happened in July, and took over 7 hours to complete as nerves were removed from his leg and transferred to his face.  The nerve relocation caused Marcel to suffer significant facial paralysis.  Doctors believe it will take a year or longer for the nerve to regenerate, and for the paralysis to subside.  Months later, Marcel underwent 40 sessions of radiation/chemo-therapy treatments in order to attempt to eradicate the cancer.  In February, Marcel undergo a series of PET/Scans in order to determine if the initial treatment was successful. Theoretically, Marcel will have to continue the grueling treatment until he is cancer-free. 

Unfortunately, Marcel's short-term disability insurance has ended, and he has been forced back to work.  The treatment exhausts Marcel, and has put him in the unenviable position of having to worry about his health as well as his family's bills.

We want to raise enough money to allow the Yapi family to only focus on Marcel's treatment and recovery.