My Papi is my Hero. The reasons why are endless. Be it his miraculous survival from the Nazis as a baby; his brilliant humor that always enlightened everyone around him with genius jokes and gasping fits of laughter even in the darkest hours; his gargantuan strength that got us out of crazy communist U.S.S.R. when I was little; his perseverance in helping us survive and thrive in (what was then) a foreign country – the United States; his lifelong mission to teach me and my sister by example how to be good, loving, and passionate people; and his unfettered walking with G-d. These are just a few reasons why my Papi is my Hero. There are so many more!

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today. For over a year now, my Papi has been bravely battling a fierce and aggressive cancer. The radiation and therapies that were meant to fight this relentless foe brought with them unimaginable pain and suffering. Day after day, I watched him endure the debilitating side effects: frequent hospitalizations, severe loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, muscle weakness, blood pressure fluctuations, insomnia, and dark moments of despair. My heart ached as I witnessed the vibrant life force within him dimming. There were days when he would look me in the eye and whisper that he could feel the end drawing near. In those moments, I held him tightly, absorbing his pain while tears quietly fell later when I was alone. This has been one hell of a dark ride with love as the only beacon of light.

On February 4, 2025, we received the most incredible news: my Papi's cancer is officially gone! We celebrated with joyous cries, laughter, and dancing in the doctor's office, grateful for this gift of life. With his 85th birthday approaching on February 25, we’ve been filled with renewed hope as we watch the color return to his frail cheeks and the spark slowly reappear in his eyes.

As I write this from a train, my hero resting beside me, we are en route to a health clinic in Mexico that offers treatments such as red-light therapy, IV drips, and ozone infusions—essential therapies that can help restore his vitality. Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by insurance and are beyond our means in the U.S. While they are significantly more affordable in Mexico, the costs are still daunting for my elderly parents and me.

This is where I humbly ask for your help. Your generosity could make all the difference in giving my Papi a chance to regain his health just in time for his 85th birthday. By contributing, you help us restore his vibrance, laughter, and music—allowing him to bask in the love of his devoted wife, my sister and me as well as his 6 beautiful grandchildren. Please help him gain a new lease on life to relish the fruits of his lifelong labor of love that now shines through us. As my Hero’s daughter, please help me honor my Father.

We love you, we are grateful for your support, and we will carry your kindness in our hearts forever. Thank you, and may you be blessed with great health, love, joy, and endless abundance.