Help John Macias Fight Lymphoma After Liver Transplant

A Journey of Faith, Strength, and Unimaginable Challenges

Hi, my name is Omega Sifuentes, and I’m reaching out to you with a heart full of both hope and urgency. I’m fundraising for my brother, John Macias, who is currently facing a battle no one ever sees coming — a cancer diagnosis following a liver transplant just over a year ago.

What started as frequent fluid buildup in his abdomen and chest quickly spiraled into something none of us were prepared for. John was having trouble breathing and was in a lot of pain, so his doctor recommended a thoracentesis and paracentesis — procedures to drain excess fluid from his lungs and abdomen. These were done to relieve his discomfort and to investigate the cause of the fluid accumulation.

It wasn’t until that fluid was tested that we received devastating news:

John was diagnosed with Large B-cell Lymphoma — an aggressive form of cancer.

This came as a complete shock. After everything he’d already been through, cancer was the last thing we expected.

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✨ The Journey to His Liver Transplant

Back in 2022, during the height of COVID, John underwent the entire pre-transplant evaluation process remotely. It was exhausting, uncertain, and filled with delays. But through it all, he stayed faithful and hopeful. That hope was answered when, on October 31, 2022, John received the call — and the gift — that he would be getting a new liver.

We rejoiced. It was a miracle and a turning point. But as transplant recipients know, the journey doesn’t end with surgery. It’s just the beginning.

John began taking anti-rejection medications, a vital part of keeping his body from rejecting the liver. Unfortunately, like many powerful medications, they come with side effects. In his case, those medications may have played a role in the development of his lymphoma — a theory now shared by his oncologist. The heartbreaking part is that John cannot stop taking those medications, or his body will reject the liver that saved his life.

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Cancer on Top of Recovery

In June 2025, John was urgently admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with cancer. His medical team didn’t want to waste any time. Given his weakened immune system from the transplant, they immediately began treatment in a controlled environment.

He had a PICC line placed temporarily to begin immunotherapy, a treatment designed to boost his immune system. That was followed by his first round of chemotherapy. He remained under close observation in the hospital for three days, from June 15 to June 18. The next day, still weary, he returned to the clinic for another dose of immunotherapy.

At first, he handled the treatment with surprising strength. But as the days passed, the effects of chemo began to take their toll. He was left homebound, weak, and fatigued — the kind of tired that sleep can’t fix. It was difficult to watch, but through it all, he never lost his faith.

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Testing & Complications

On July 2, John underwent his first PET scan, a crucial step in mapping out his lymphoma and determining how it responds to future treatment. While this is only the beginning of his imaging journey, it was another reminder of just how real and serious this fight is.

Soon after, he was scheduled to get his mediport placed — a more permanent and less painful option for receiving chemotherapy. But during routine labs, another complication arose: his red blood cell count had dropped significantly. So low, in fact, that his port placement had to be delayed. He is now awaiting a blood transfusion, another unplanned and costly procedure.

Once his red blood cell levels are stable and he receives the transfusion, he’ll be able to get the mediport and restart his chemotherapy cycle.

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The Growing Financial Burden

As you can imagine, all of these treatments, procedures, hospital stays, medications, and follow-up visits come at a huge financial cost. While John has insurance, it does not cover everything. Every co-pay, every medication not fully covered, every scan, procedure, and follow-up visit adds up quickly.

And perhaps the hardest part — John is unable to work during this time. Between being immune-compromised, physically weak from treatment, and constantly in and out of medical appointments, he simply cannot earn an income. This has created not just a financial burden but an emotional one too.

We are doing everything we can to help him, but we’ve come to a place where we have to reach out and ask — humbly, sincerely, and prayerfully — for your help.

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How You Can Help

Your donation — no matter the size — will go directly toward:

• Ongoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments

• Blood transfusions and port placement

• Hospital stays and follow-up appointments

• Out-of-pocket medication costs

• Travel expenses for appointments (John lives over 3 hours away from us)

• Daily living needs while he’s unable to work

We are trusting God every step of the way, but we also believe He works through people — people like you who care, who give, who pray, and who show up when others are hurting.

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With Gratitude from Our Family

John has always been the kind of person who would show up for others. Now he’s the one in need. If you’re able to give, we are so deeply thankful. If you can’t give financially, we ask you to pray, to share, and to lift John up in whatever way you can.

Your love and support mean more than words can ever fully express.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

With heartfelt gratitude,

Omega Sifuentes & my entire family