Adrian Rene Cruz

An emergency room visit in October of 2020 drastically changed the lives of my best friend Rubi and her family. After tests, lab work and admittance to the hospital, 14 year-old Adrian was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. (AML) Adrian immediately started treatment at Driscoll Children's Hospital and eventually was transferred to M.D. Anderson. With a great medical team, family, friends and, of course, his mom Rubi, Adrian went through many cycles of chemotherapy and, in April of 2021, successfully had a stem cell transplant.

 

Until this point, Rubi was blessed to utilize FMLA, and access financial assistance through private insurance and/or other charitable organizations, which allowed Rubi to maintain her home in Corpus Christi, for her other children and keep up with financial obligations.

In the fall of 2021, after 100 good days after transplant and declared in remission, Adrian rang the bell (!!!), and they were able to return home. Even though they traveled to M.D. Anderson for weekly appointments, life seemed to be back to a normal consistency; Rubi went back to work part-time and Adrian, excited to be a freshman, was enrolled for the new school year.

 

In January of 2022 Adrian was once again admitted to M.D. Anderson. After several new cycles of chemotherapy, including a study trial, Rubi was given the devastating news that the cancer was not responding to any medical intervention and any future treatment could do more harm than good to his body.

 

Adrian received his angel wings on Saturday, June 25, and heaven received a funny and strong warrior.

 

As she has been throughout this journey, Rubi was right by his side, firm in her faith and full of love for her child.

I know she would never ask, but I would like to ask on her behalf for any gift your heart may feel compelled to give. Any donations given will allow Rubi time to navigate through her grief and anything the future may hold for her. Since being out of work for the last two years, she does have financial obligations to catch up, including insurance and maintaining a home for her and her eldest son. She also helps her daughter with her lovely grandchildren. AND she does love her coffee! It may just be a cup of coffee to us, but it's a cup of comfort for her.

 

In addition, I ask that you hold Rubi and the rest of their family and friends in light and prayer as they find their way through this time of grief and loss; such a tremendous loss of a son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend;  such a loss of a great warrior.