My name is Abel Souza Jr.

This past month has turned my family’s world upside down. I went to the hospital for severe pain in my side and ended up needing emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder. When the pathology came back, we learned the worst: the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) I fought in 2017 has returned.

During surgery, the doctors had to leave a piece of my gallbladder behind because they believed some enlarged areas were lymph nodes around the area they needed to get into, connected to my newly diagnosed lymphoma. Unfortunately, they later discovered it was actually metastatic carcinoma consistent with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and did not want to aggravate it.

As a result of the surgery, I developed a bile leak and needed a catheter placed. I’ve already been hospitalized twice because of complications with the drainage. This is just the beginning of a very long road. I now need more scans—both here and on Oahu—to determine how far the cancer has spread, including whether it may be in my brain or other parts of my body. We already know the lymphoma has spread to my bone marrow.

On top of all of this, I recently learned that I will not be able to work for at least 6 months—likely closer to a year or even longer. My wife is working, but it will not be enough to cover our monthly bills and the growing medical expenses. I have applied for disability, but the approval process takes time and the first check won’t come for about 5 months. So what ever you can help with the with be going to monthly bills.

I know it’s the holiday season, and money is tight for so many families. That’s why I am humbly asking for any help—no matter how small—as we navigate this overwhelming and uncertain time. If you are unable to donate, your prayers, love, and words of encouragement mean just as much to us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you, and Happy Holidays.