For most, the New Year usually brings new opportunities, but for one individual, the New Year has brought one of the greatest challenges of their life. At the beginning of this year, Felipe, (15yrs old) began experiencing very intense muscle and joint pains. The pain grew and ultimately on February 1st, 2023, his parents brought him to the emergency room. After multiple testing, Felipe was diagnosed with Leukemia. The family was told they would be on a 3 year treatment plan of testing, hospitalization, chemotherapy, quarantining, pain, traveling, etc. For most, this would have stopped them where they stood, but for Felipe, this young man is a fighter. Taking inspiration from his father Fabricio (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo black belt martial artist), Felipe was raised in a house of warriors.

The Silva family is a cornerstone of the local community. Having opened up their new martial arts studio, they teach self-defense and discipline to the youth of the community. However, due to the orders of the medical team, Fabricio has not been able to attend the studio as much as he like due to possibility of outside infection to Felipe’s immune system. On top of this, the medical expenses, daily travel to Oakland children’s hospital, and life as it is, the family is in need of your help.

Every donation helps the family through this truly difficult time. I want you to really imagine putting yourself in their shoes and the help you would want. Anything you can do, no matter how big or how small is a blessing in this time of need. So please share this link with everyone you know. Let’s show our community we stick together. I’m calling all warriors to stand up and fight. For in this family, no one fights alone.

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela