Hi, my name is Rick.

I’ve been playing in a men’s soccer league in Burlington for over 10 years with the same group of players. Most of my teammates have roots in the Azores and mainland Portugal, with parents who immigrated to Canada. Over the years, our team has grown into a diverse group of players from many heritages—an extended family both on and off the field.

Recently, one of our teammates, Pedro, received heartbreaking news about his eight-year-old son, Filipe. Filipe, a vibrant and energetic boy, has been diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing treatment at McMaster Hospital.

Pedro is a devoted father of three young boys and works hard in construction to support his family. He’s the kind of teammate who’s always there for others and would never ask for help. But during this difficult time, we know he’ll need to take time off work to be with his family and support Filipe through his treatment.

We’re raising funds to help Pedro and his family with the financial challenges ahead—whether it’s covering daily expenses, medical costs, or simply giving them the space to focus on what matters most: Filipe’s recovery.

Any support you can offer, big or small, is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for standing with Pedro, Filipe, and their family.