My dad, Jesus (also known as Jesse or Chuy), is a father, grandfather, and a familiar face to many people in Tulare County. For over 20 years, he served our community as a park ranger for Tulare County Parks. If you have ever visited Mooney Grove, Cutler Park, or any of our local parks, you may have met him. He spent his career caring for our public spaces and welcoming families into them.

In 2024, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer. It was a terrifying fight. He went through aggressive treatment and somehow, through strength and grace, he beat it. Our family was given a miracle and more time with him.

Now the cancer is back.

In December, doctors found a new tumor near his carotid artery. After multiple biopsies and scans at Stanford, it has been confirmed as a recurrence of the cancer he had. The location makes it extremely difficult to surgically remove. A tumor board is reviewing his case, and he is scheduled for a major surgery on February 5 if they believe it can be done. If surgery happens, it will be life-changing and risky, but it is his best chance. He will also be undergoing aggressive chemo and radiation therapy at Stanford (4 hours from his home).

I am his daughter and am helping to serve as his caregiver during this time. Last year, I moved in with my dad during his first cancer fight, and I am here again now, taking him to every appointment, helping him eat, helping him breathe through the fear, and making sure he is not alone in this.

We are based in Farmersville, California, but all of his care is happening at Stanford. That means constant long drives, hotel stays, food on the road, parking, and time away from work. On top of that, my dad is still paying for COBRA medical coverage after leaving his job due to his illness, which is incredibly expensive ($800 a month) but necessary for him to keep his doctors and treatment.

Before this next surgery, we are also trying to get him to Hawaii. Not as a vacation in the usual sense, but as a moment of joy and dignity before his body goes through another brutal chapter. This may be the last time he is able to travel easily, speak normally, or eat without pain. He deserves to see beauty and feel peace while he still can.

We are asking for help to cover everything that comes with fighting cancer again.

Medical bills and prescriptions.

His COBRA insurance.

Travel back and forth to Stanford.

Food while we are on the road.

A place for us to stay so he is not alone during treatment.

And the Hawaii trip we are hoping to give him before surgery.

So many people followed my dad’s first cancer journey and lifted him up with prayers, donations, and love. If you are here again, please know how deeply grateful we are. If you are meeting him for the first time, thank you for seeing him now.

Jesus spent his life serving this community. Right now, he needs the community to hold him.

Any amount helps. Sharing this also helps. We are taking this one day at a time and trusting that love will carry us through.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Daisy