Help My Brother Fight Stage 3 Oropharyngeal Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Vanniela Rodriguez, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear brother, Armando Rodriguez. Our family is facing one of the hardest battles of our lives, and we need your support.

A Sudden Diagnosis After Many Unanswered Questions

My brother’s journey with cancer has been unexpected and difficult. It all started with a minor discomfort in his throat. After undergoing several tests, everything kept coming back negative, and no clear answers were found. But his doctor, determined to get to the root of the problem, decided to move forward with surgery on his tonsils.

During the procedure, the doctor noticed abnormalities and sent tissue samples for testing. When the results came back, our worst fears were confirmed—he was diagnosed with Stage 3 oropharyngeal cancer.

Following God’s Guidance to the Right Treatment

After receiving medical opinions in Utah, my brother and his family didn’t feel at peace with the options given. Through prayer, fasting, the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and recommendations from friends, they felt strongly led to seek a second opinion in Puerto Rico, his home island, where he was born and raised.

From the moment they made this decision, we have witnessed miracles. We can see the hand of God in every step of this journey, and we know that he is not alone. That is why we feel now is the time to share his story—so others can stand with us, pray with us, and be a part of this journey.

Why We Need Your Help

Our parents, siblings, and friends have come together to help however we can—financially, emotionally, and by providing a place to stay. But the reality is that cancer not only affects health, it also brings a heavy financial burden.

After much research and prayer, my brother has chosen to pursue alternative treatments, which we strongly believe will give him the best chance at healing. However, most of these treatments are not covered by insurance, making this journey even more challenging.

With multiple treatments each week, my brother’s family income has decreased tremendously, making it very difficult for him to support his family. The stress of trying to provide for them while battling cancer is overwhelming, especially since his family is in Utah while he is receiving his treatments in Puerto Rico. The separation only adds to the emotional and financial burden he faces.Your generosity will help cover:

✅ Alternative cancer treatments (not covered by insurance)

✅ Living expenses for his family during treatment

✅ Basic necessities so he can focus on healing instead of financial stress

✅ Some travel costs

How You Can Help

We understand that not everyone can donate, and that’s okay. But we believe in the incredible power of prayer and fasting, and if you can support him in that way, we would be forever grateful.

Please consider donating, sharing this fundraiser, and keeping my brother and his family in your prayers. Every bit of support, no matter how small, makes a huge difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, generosity, and kindness.

Update on Armando: Progress and Next Steps in His Treatment

Dear friends and family,

We want to share an update on Armando’s progress. During his first PET scan, cancer activity was detected in the left side of his neck, throat, and lungs. Thanks to a healthy diet and alternative medicine, his second PET scan showed significant improvement: all cancer activity in the right side of the neck and lungs has been eliminated. Currently, only the left side of his neck remains affected—the area where it all began.

To target the cancer in that area, Armando has started chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is expected to be a very tough and exhausting process. He is now in his third week of treatment, and the most challenging part is just beginning: he is expected to experience uncomfortable and painful symptoms such as neck swelling, burning skin in the treated area, affected salivary glands, dry throat, difficulty eating, loss of taste, fatigue, and nausea. These are effects no one would wish to endure.

His wife, Xiomara, is with him in Puerto Rico, having left her job in Utah, and they currently have no income. After treatment, Armando will face a long recovery process.

His strength and faith inspire us every day, and we continue to trust that with God’s help and the support of our community, he will overcome this challenge.

How you can help:

✅ Continuing donations to cover treatments, housing, food, and essential expenses

✅ Sharing this campaign with family and friends

✅ Keeping Armando and his family in your prayers

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. Thank you for standing with us and keeping Armando and his family in your prayers.

With gratitude,

Vanniela & Family