Help dad's journey to beat stomach cancer!

[Left to right: Leslie (daughter), Dad (Sergio), Abner,(son)]

Dear friends,

Thank you for taking the time to read my request for help. This summer (2023), my dad (60 years-old) was diagnosed with stage 2 stomach cancer. The diagnosis was painful news for my father, myself, and all our extended family. The oncologist recommended four chemotherapies, stomach surgery, and four more chemotherapies after the surgery. Currently, my dad is about to start his fourth chemotherapy.

My father currently lives in Mexicali, a border city in Mexico. Due to the terrible Mexican public healthcare system, we sought private medical care and have been paying for his chemotherapies out-of-pocket. My dad had been experiencing symptoms since last year 2022, and the government insurance is so inefficient, he has yet to even get an appointment with a specialist. As his fourth chemotherapy approaches, we inquired about the estimate of his stomach surgery. Again, we want to make sure my father receives quality care and sought a consultation with a private surgeon. The surgery and future chemotherapies are very costly. Depending on the test results of his fourth chemo, the surgeon may remove part, or all of his stomach and the surgery is expected to take place sometime in December 2023 or early January 2024.

Thus, I am seeking help from my community to raise funds for my dad’s surgery and recovery medical costs. If you are in a position to help, we would truly appreciate your donation. Every dollar counts. If you are not able to assist monetarily, please share this page and keep my father in your prayers.

About our dad- Sergio Chaires

My father has always been a strong supporter of immigrant and worker’s rights. Growing up in California during the 90s, especially during Pete Wilson’s term, we lived through the anti-immigrant policies. At a young age, my father explained the importance of solidarity, supporting and advocating for people’s humanity, regardless of their legal status. He also explained the importance of good labor practices and fair wages. He is a long-life supporter of unions, and often took us (his kids) to strike demonstrations. He was actively involved in his union and set an example to always advocate for justice. As a result, my career path resulted in working for an organization that partners with people to help them understand and assert their workplace rights and advocates for employment laws and systems that empower low-paid workers and marginalized communities. My passion for this kind of work undoubtedly comes from him. He has supported his community through the years, now it is our turn to return the favor and ensure he receives quality and dignified healthcare and cancer treatment. Thank you.

-Leslie