The Furtado family are beloved by so many in our Bristol, RI community.  Whether childhood friends, neighbors, contacts from the town’s restaurant industry or through their three daughters’ schools and activities, Wilson, Kelly and the girls have touched many lives.  They have welcomed so many of us into their home and hearts, driven, fed and cared for our kids, planned our vacations and supported our community in immeasurable ways.

In October 2020, Wilson and Kelly publicly shared his diagnosis of esophageal cancer.  He persevered like SUPERMAN through five weeks of daily radiation, weekly chemo and immunotherapy treatments. In January, Wilson underwent robotic surgery to remove a tumor in his throat. The surgery was a success and as winter progressed, he continued to make slow and steady gains, eating more, easing back into work, being able to drive again. Unfortunately, in early March, the family was faced with another huge setback; Wilson had a hemorrhagic stroke. He was taken to the hospital immediately and underwent an emergency surgery to clear the blood and relieve the pressure. The surgery was successful, and Wilson continues to persevere. He is working daily with speech, occupational and physical therapists, prepping his body and mind to become strong enough so he may, once again, continue with his cancer treatments. He, Kelly, the girls and their extended family have bravely faced his cancer and treatment which has required vast resources of strength, time and money.

Many have reached out to the Furtado’s, their extended family and close friends offering support and asking how to help.  We have established this Go Fund Me page as an opportunity to assist the family with the financial burdens resulting from the overwhelming medical bills and equipment associated with Wilson’s diagnosis and continuing treatment.

You are welcome to share this Go Fund Me with friends, and we appreciate your discretion in ensuring we maintain privacy for the family.

Their entire family is overwhelmed with the love, and support they have received from our community, friends and family. In Wilson’s own words: “When I started this frightening journey with Esophageal Cancer, I had no idea what to expect, what I did know is that I was afraid of what the future would hold for my family and I, and as crazy as it sounds, cancer has given me more than it has taken from me at this point. It has given me the opportunity to look at life through a different lens, it has made me realize that God, time, family and friends, are what’s really important. Every day that I wake up, I give thanks to God for giving me another opportunity to spend time with those that I love.”

Thank you so much for your care, your concern, and for your support.

Sincerely,

Furtado Family Support Squad