Help Daniel Cristian Rivera Teran Fight Stage 4 Colon Cancer

Hello, my name is Daniel, and I’m reaching out to share my story. Recently, my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. This diagnosis has been incredibly overwhelming, but I am determined to fight with everything I have. However, I cannot do this alone, and I need your help.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worked hard, striving to live a happy and fulfilling life. But cancer has thrown an unexpected and life-changing challenge in my path. The diagnosis has not only taken a toll on my physical health but has also created a financial burden that I cannot manage on my own.

Recently, I returned from a family reunion in Ciudad Victoria, struggling with severe abdominal pain and daily vomiting. Initially, I thought it was just a stomach virus, but after a week, I started to doubt that diagnosis. On the 10th consecutive day of pain, my friends and family urged me to go to a local neighborhood ER. Reluctantly, I went, and an X-ray revealed something concerning. They ordered a CT scan, which led to my transfer to a hospital to see an oncologist. There, a colonoscopy and biopsy confirmed devastating news: I have stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to my liver.

For years, I have been self-employed without health insurance or regular doctor visits. My version of healthcare was visiting Garcia’s pharmacy, describing my symptoms, getting a shot and some pills, and crossing back over the border after grabbing some tacos and a drink. After my first hospital stay, I was discharged without referrals or follow-up appointments—just a sheet of paper advising me to apply for CareLink assistance. I soon learned I was in a difficult spot: too poor to afford private healthcare but too “rich” to qualify for assistance.

To make matters worse, I was only given enough pain medication to last a few days, which led to another ER visit. I am now staying at University Hospital in San Antonio, where they are helping to manage my pain. This time, it seems I may finally receive enough medication to last until I can see a primary care doctor and an oncologist. Just as I was losing hope, a dear friend helped me enroll in Obamacare on the very last day of the deadline. My new insurance won’t start until the New Year, so I am still exploring alternative options, including possibly seeking treatment in Mexico.

Between medical bills, treatments, and day-to-day living expenses, the costs have become insurmountable. As I begin my journey to navigate chemotherapy, hospital visits, and other medical procedures, I’ve had to reduce my ability to work, which has added to the strain. Despite these challenges, I’m committed to staying positive and focusing on my recovery.

Why I Need Your Support:

Your generous contribution will go directly toward:

- Medical Expenses: Covering chemotherapy, medications, hospital visits, and any necessary surgeries.

- Living Expenses: Helping with rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation to treatments.

- Future Care: Ensuring I can access any additional treatments or therapies that may arise in this journey.

- While I was finally able to secure health insurance through Obamacare, I still have to cover monthly premiums and other significant out-of-pocket costs.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to focusing on my health without the constant worry of financial stress. Your support will allow me to dedicate my energy to fighting this disease and being there for my loved ones.

How You Can Help:

- Donate: Any amount you can give will make a huge difference in my journey.

- Share: If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your network to help spread the word.

- Encourage: Your messages of hope, prayers, and encouragement mean more to me than I can express. But if you see me on the street, hug me. We often forget how important and powerful a good hug can be.

I never imagined I’d be in this position, asking for help, but life has taught me that sometimes we need to lean on the kindness of others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me during this challenging time. Together, I believe we can overcome anything.

With gratitude and hope,

Daniel Cristian Rivera Teran