My name is Pedro, I’m 27 years old, and I’m from Spain.

I’ve always been a very active, adventurous and optimistic person. I love trying new things, taking risks and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I rarely say “no” to a challenge — I’m usually the person saying, “Let’s go!”

After living in England for almost six years and spending some time back in Spain, I decided it was time for another adventure. I started looking for opportunities abroad and eventually found a job working on a cruise ship in the United States, sailing around the Bahamas.

It was exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for.

I joined the ship on June 19th, excited about my new job, meeting new people, seeing new places and starting a completely different life. The work was demanding — around 9–10 hours a day, every day — but I knew what I had signed up for. I was tired, but I was happy and determined to make the most of it.

Then, about a month and ten days later, everything changed.

I started experiencing some unusual health problems and discomfort. I visited the ship's medical team several times, but I felt like I wasn't getting the answers or attention I needed. Eventually, on July 31st, with the pain becoming too much, I asked to be seen by a doctor onshore.

I went expecting answers about what I thought might be a relatively minor problem.

Instead, after an examination and blood tests, the doctor came back and told me something I never imagined I would hear at 27 years old:

I might have leukemia.

My white blood cell count was extremely high and my red blood cell count was dangerously low.

I was completely shocked.

Only two months earlier, I had passed my medical examinations in Madrid. Everything had been fine. I had been working, living normally and planning my future. I hadn't experienced the typical symptoms I would have expected from something so serious.

Within hours, I was transferred to a cancer-focused hospital in Orlando, where I immediately began receiving blood transfusions and further testing.

I have now been in the hospital since July 31st, fighting this unexpected battle and preparing for my eventual return to Spain, where my treatment will continue.

The hardest part isn't only dealing with the fear and uncertainty of cancer. I also suddenly lost the job and plans I had worked so hard to achieve. I had dreams for the money I would earn, plans for my future and a life I was excited about.

Now, instead of exploring new countries and building my future, I'm fighting to get healthy again.

I’m creating this GoFundMe because, while my medical care is being coordinated, everyday life has become financially difficult. I still have expenses in Spain, including rent and supporting my partner, while also having unexpected expenses here in the United States during this long hospital stay.

I never imagined that at 27, my biggest challenge would be fighting leukemia. But I've never been someone who gives up when life gets difficult — and I'm not going to start now.

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to me and help me get through this difficult period.

And if you're in the Orlando area and simply want to come visit, have a coffee, bring some food or spend some time talking and making me laugh — I would honestly love that too. I’ve always loved meeting new people and making friends.

Thank you for reading my story, sharing it, supporting me or simply thinking of me.

One day at a time. One fight at a time. ❤️