It is with a heavy heart that I inform you my high school sweet heart lost her battle with cancer last week. RIP Erika Valdivia March 27, 1972 to March 12, 2021, she was a sweet woman, friend and mother. I am so thankful we reconnected a few years ago!

This was the last text she sent me last month...
I'm not doing so hot. I was diagnosed with MDS- A myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is one of a group of cancers in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature, so do not become healthy blood cells.

Early on, no symptoms typically are seen.[3] Later, symptoms may include feeling tired, shortness of breath, bleeding disorders, anemia, or frequent infections.[3] Some types may develop into acute myeloid leukemia.

I've been doing chemo since last June 2020. Have had 3 bone marrow biopsy it was looking good but the last one last month was not good. I've been getting blood transfusions and platelets transfusion to keep me at float. It's been hard. I've lost 10 lbs and now I'm waiting to hear from the specialist from City of Hope to see if I qualify for a bone marrow transplant. I have to do a pulmonary function test, a new PetScan and MRI a series of blood test. I'm really scared and worried if I get the green light is a very complicated surgery since I only have one lung and hoping my body doesn't reject the transplant to which I could not make it.

For now is getting all of the test done and my hematologist oncologist will present my case to the board meeting at City of Hope to see their input.

Ohh I'm so tired tho Craig.... I would love to just be at a beach relax and enjoying the time left I have not being prick, sick, nauseous and in pain.....
but than I look at my boys and pushes me to fight and continue to be the warrior they know and seen.