Help Mario Get His Voice Back

This fundraiser is to help the Uranga Family during Mario's road to recovery. Mario was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September 2021, and it took some time to figure out the complexity of his case and what was involved moving forward. The plan was to remove the thyroid entirely due to two cancerous spots discovered on the thyroid, and it was likely to spread. Mario participated in radiation treatments and completed a what seemed successful surgery in November 2021. However, Mario's voice turned rough and raspy, which he thought was a side effect of the surgery. During Mario's follow-up care, he was informed that the cancer had spread and was completely wrapped around his left vocal nerve when the doctors went in to operate. There was no way to remove the cancer without removing the nerve, which is what the doctors had to do, leaving his left vocal cord paralyzed. The raspiness of his voice would be permanent without any further treatment.

As we all know, Mario is a vocalist in a local band, and his voice is a huge part of his identity, a treasured part of who he is to his core. Singing brings him so much joy, and since this curveball was thrown at him, he has not been able to continue what he loves to do, and that's sing. Not only does his diagnosis impact his passion for his music, but it also affects his daily livelihood as he works in the NM brewery industry and speaks with customers daily. The strain on his voice leaves him exhausted and in pain at the end of his shifts. Even reading bedtime stories to his kiddos is a nightly challenge.

Moving forward, Mario and his wife, Alexandra, have looked at different options outside of NM, as options are limited instate. The Uranga's have found a laryngologist in Denver, CO to perform injection procedures and possibly another surgery to help bring his voice back.

The Uranga's will be traveling to Denver for the May 18th procedure date and are asking for monetary help for various reasons. Medical bills and travel expenses, but also, throughout this experience, Mario and Alexandra have had to take approximately six weeks of personal leave from work. They have been working diligently to catch up on bills and make up for lost wages and could use some support in this area. Any amount you can donate is helpful, and your generosity is greatly appreciated! A huge thank you to everyone who has offered to help up to this point. Mario and his family are so grateful for everyone in their corner.