Many of you already know the story of how I, Erin, became involved with the Presentado Family. I am Victoria’s aunt and Dario’s (Fred's) sister-in-law.

Last spring and summer of 2024, Fred started to feel unwell, initially thinking it was just a stomach bug. He thought, “What a great way to lose a few extra pounds,” but it quickly turned into a loss of 20 pounds. A matter-of-fact conversation one night led to a late-night visit to the hospital, which turned into a week-long stay and a diagnosis of Stage 3 Signet Cell Carcinoma of the esophagus. A large tumor was growing, blocking the path from his esophagus to his stomach. Needless to say, treatment began, and the great team at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital got to work!

Fred has been living with and taking care of his mother, Tomasa, for many years—a promise he made to his father when he passed away at a young age. Over the years, he has developed a close relationship with her doctors. Recently, Tomasa’s case manager told me, “I hope my son takes as good of care of me when I get old.” This brought tears to my eyes, and we held one another while we prayed for their family.

Fred has not only been caring for his mother but also for his sister, who is having trouble walking due to a knee that needs replacement. Meanwhile, his daughter, my niece Victoria Grace, 17 years old and just three months away from graduation, watches quietly in the background as her family faces these challenges.

This young lady has overcome many of her own challenges and has become a shining star. Fred is incredibly proud of her and has been working hard to ensure she has the best opportunities he can offer. She attends Saint John’s College Catholic High School and is graduating in three months with honors. She is college-bound, though her destination is still undetermined. Over the years, as Fred and I have co-parented, he holds a special place in my heart. I couldn’t be prouder of how much he strives to take care of his family, something many people often overlook

Fred also has a son named Tony who lives in Colorado. Tony recently came home. Despite the daily phone calls between a son and father, who have grown to become best friends. Fred never mentioned to Tony how much the cancer is really getting to him. Shocked upon visiting, Tony realized the complexity of his fathers condition and the tremendous Will his father has to ‘keep on living.’

Unfortunately, the cancer treatments at Sibley aren’t working, and surgery isn’t an option. We have progressed to Stage 3B/4. The lung tissue is becoming compromised, requiring him to depend on oxygen. He has been reliant on a feeding tube in his stomach since September of last year. The medical team placed a “palliative” stent, which was a blessing at first, fulfilling his wish for a “cold glass of water,” but it has now opened the stomach pathway upwards. Fred is very sick multiple times a day and is growing weaker.

Despite this, Fred still wants to fight because he “has to fight for my family.” He won’t give up on finding a cure or buying more time with this precious gift of life. There is a clinic in Houston that uses peptides to help the body combat the growth of cancer cells. It is his hope that this treatment will slow the rapid progression of the cancer. However, this treatment comes at a cost.

The cancer has invaded his lung tissue in just two weeks during his recent hospital stay.

Fred left last night, February 25, 2025, for Houston with his best friend Ivan. Their bags were packed with tube feedings, medicine, and lots of prayers. His daughter Victoria brought him to the gate, where they shared their goodbyes. He may or may not return to the city he calls home.

Dario, Fred, Freddy - whatever you call him - you know that if you ask him for help, he would always be there for you. He’s always been willing to pull strings, run credit reports, and help you qualify for loans, often accomplishing what seemed impossible. This time, we need to show Fred how much those years of helping others can turn into support for him in his time of need.

Dear friends, family, classmates, and colleagues of Dario Presentado, I am reaching out to ask for your help. We need someone to meet Dario in Texas on Friday, February 29, 2025, and assist him while he undergoes treatment next week. If you are unable to provide care but would like to help in other ways, please reach out to me, and we can coordinate how you might assist.

If you prefer not to bring a meal to the house, we would deeply appreciate any support you can offer. Additionally, if physical help isn’t possible, please consider donating to this fund to help offset the cost of Dario's treatment in Texas and to provide support for his daughter Victoria, his mother, and his sister.

I understand that this request may feel overwhelming. I truly hate having to write this. Asking for help is never easy, and I struggle with it myself. Time is a thief, and I wish we had more of it for Dario and his family.

Please keep our family in your prayers and in your hearts during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

#teamdario

Best,

Erin