Dear friends,

My name is Florentino Duarte, and today I open my heart to share an important part of my story.

In 2021, life tested me when I was diagnosed with cancer on April 19. Those were days of fear, uncertainty, and pain… but also of love, solidarity, and faith. Thanks to a GoFundMe organized by my brother-in-law, Gustavo Pérez, and the support of many generous people, I began treatment. I fought with all my strength and, with God’s help, completed the process at the end of 2023.

Since 2024, I have been under medical follow-up. I still need two more years before I can officially say “I beat it,” but I continue forward with hope—working as an Uber driver and writing, which is my greatest passion.

Today, my family and I are facing another difficult moment. Our immigration status (TPS 2021) has expired, and we must leave the United States no later than November 7, 2025. This forced departure leaves us without a home, without a vehicle, and without property in either Venezuela or Colombia.

Still, we refuse to lose faith. We have decided to start again in Colombia, where at least we will have the initial support of some relatives.

We are a family of five: my wife Cecilia, our three children (17, 15, and 10 years old), and me.

They are my strength, my reason to keep fighting—and also the reason I humbly ask for help during this difficult time.

We need support to cover:

   •   Flights for five people

   •   Temporary housing

   •   Virtual schooling for the children

   •   The cost of relocating our entire life in less than a month

   •   Moving and basic setup

   •   And very importantly: my medical expenses to continue oncology follow-up

Throughout this journey, I have tried to give back to life through writing:

   •   I published Fuerte y Valiente, my personal testimony of overcoming cancer.

   •   And I am currently working on a new book about something deeply meaningful to me: the fragmentation of the soul, a reflection on loss, pain, and how to find ourselves again.

This campaign is not an ending. It is a helping hand that allows us to stand up and begin again.

With faith, with hope, and with the certainty that God walks with us, we believe this new beginning is possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, supporting, sharing, or praying for us.

Every gesture, no matter how small, means the world to our family.

With sincere gratitude,

Florentino Duarte, Cecilia Pérez, and our three children.