Connar & Karlee Zaldivar’s Journey

On October 17, 2019, when Connar Zaldivar was 19, he was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. This is an extremely rare form of cancer that affects only 1-3 people in 1 million! It is normally in the limbs, but Connar’s is in his lungs. He underwent several months of aggressive chemo treatments and on March 9, 2020, he left MD Anderson cancer free! Just three months later, on July 23, 2020, he received the news that the cancer was back. This time it had progressed to Stage IV and he was told he would have to undergo chemo treatments for the rest of his life.

Since that time, he has underwent many rounds of chemo, participated in a clinical trial and had multiple stints in the hospital. There have been positives throughout this journey as well, such as he and Karlee getting married and enjoying going on a few trips to places he’s never been.

Last month, in October, Connar finished up his second round of a new chemo and only a few days after returning home from MD Anderson, was hospitalized for 10 days at Ochsner LSU due to fluid around his lungs and heart. He was released on Sunday, October 24th and had an appointment at MD Anderson the following Thursday, with hopes of receiving good news. The news however was not good, the tumors had grown and they were told he, more than likely, only has a few more months to live. This news was a very hard pill to swallow, but of course, they are not giving up. They will go to MDA tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd, for him to start a new chemo that has helped extend people’s lives with the same type of cancer. Their biggest request from everyone is to pray that this is the same case for him (or that, God willing, his tumors go away completely because we know how powerful our Almighty God is) We also ask that you pray for strength for Connar and our whole family through all of this and that no matter the outcome, we will all be at peace.

Connar and Karlee are a young couple that have been through more trials than any couple should have to endure in a lifetime. Their attitude and perseverance through this journey has been remarkable. Every time I see them, they have a smile on their face and a light that shines through in the darkest time of their young lives.

I’m adding a post from Karlee that tells of their willingness to fight through this journey.

“God is SO good and has already blessed me, Connar, and our family so much with the time we’ve had thus far. None of us know what God’s specific plan is for our lives and he very well COULD heal Connar! But no matter what, we are going to continue to take each day one step at a time, cherish every moment, pray, and keep our faith and trust in God’s plan because He’s perfect and knows what’s best even if we don’t always see it. Thank you to everyone who has been and will continue to pray for us. We love and appreciate all of you more than you know.”

Connar is a warrior and will not give up! Sometimes it is difficult to know how to help, so I wanted to set up a fundraiser for them to help offset medical costs. All proceeds go to Connar & Karlee. #NEVERDIEEASY #CUTUPFORCONNAR