Brian, A father fighting to survive cancer.

Dear friends, family, and anyone who is taking the time to read this...

My name is Brian Sanchez. I am a 28-year-old father to two beautiful children, Noemi (7) and Samuel (2), and married to an amazing woman, Jessica (28). These three are the reason why I keep fighting.

As some of you may know, I have been battling cancer for the last two years.

I was diagnosed in February of 2022 with stage 4 testicular cancer. At that time, my wife was pregnant with our youngest, and our entire world felt like it was falling apart. The cancer had advanced into some of my organs and brain.

Since my initial diagnosis, I have undergone 4 cycles of BEP chemotherapy and 4 cycles of TIP chemotherapy locally in Gainesville. My tumor markers were initially showing improvement, then started to rise again.

I was then referred to Emory in Atlanta, where I had surgery and was told I would have to stay for 6 months in order to receive treatment. I underwent various cycles of high-dose chemotherapy, along with 4 stem cell transplants. Those were some of the longest months of my life. I had to be away from my children, unable to work, and immunocompromised. Thankfully, my wife was there supporting me and taking care of me the entire time.

Once we were home again, we thought it was all finally over. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The cancer had come back again. At this time, the doctors said they would try another type of chemotherapy called GEMOX. I underwent the treatment in Gainesville; however, my body was not reacting to it very well. At the end of the cycles, the cancer was still there and progressing.

Doctors in Gainesville and Atlanta at this point had no other options for me.

I sought further information for a clinical trial in Indiana, and thankfully, one of the doctors at Emory was able to get me in contact with them. I was accepted, and my wife and I were on our way to Indiana to start the clinical trial.

Unfortunately, things took another turn. During this time, I had to be admitted into the ER for an emergency colon rupture repair, and due to this, I was removed from the clinical trial. This is my current situation.

Since my diagnosis, I have tried my best to continue to work and provide for my family. However, doctors are not saying anything positive about my situation or condition at this point. I am currently unable to work and don't know when I will be able to work again.

My wife and I are desperately seeking other alternatives, and alternative medicines, and seeking other trials in order for me to survive. The physical and mental effects have taken their toll on my body and our family. I would love to continue fighting for my wife and kids for as long as I can. I love them; they are my world. My wife has never lost faith, and for that, I am so thankful.

I know we are all going through something, but anything helps, whether it be your love and support, a donation, sharing my story, or prayers. All is accepted and very much appreciated.

I also want to say thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support. To my in-laws for always being willing to help and taking care of our babies. To my friends and family who have always shown their love and support. To the Atlanta Hope Lodge for giving us a place to stay while undergoing treatment. To everyone I have met along the way.

My prognosis is not hopeful, and I am currently still in the hospital recovering from surgery but undergoing complications, including needing high-flow oxygen 24/7 and pain medication. However, we have faith in God that everything will be okay, but we still have to try and prepare a future for our children.

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read my story. ❤️