Hello. My name is Angie Mendoza. I am writing this because my dad, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer with only a few days to weeks to live. His cancer is in his stomach and has rapidly spread in his body. At only 49 years old, this has come as extremely sudden and unexpected news. He has been battling with diabetes for the last 10 years and believed that the symptoms were related while sadly in silence a cancerous tumor was growing in his stomach. In December, my dad began to become very ill. He drastically lost a lot of weight, unable eat or keep anything down, and extreme pain. With the loss of weight, he noticed an abnormality in his stomach so my family took my dad to be evaluated and sadly diagnosed my dad with stomach cancer. His tumor has grown extensively, putting pressure on his intestines and lower abdomen. At this stage, there is nothing more we can do for my dad but to make him as comfortable as possible which requires an extension amount of expensive medication.

This has been the hardest thing I have every endured in my life. I never thought, at 22 years old, I would have to go through something like this. Despite my dad living in Mexico and I near Chicago, unable to come see him in years, my dad has always been my motivator, calling me to check on me, wanting to make sure I as healthy and how I was doing in school. Even during these times that I see all the pain he is in, he worries for me, asks if I have eaten, because he knows I can’t eat when I am anxious and still cares enough to make sure I am comfortable despite all the discomfort he is in. That is how strong and big my dad’s heart is and his love for me and others. For that reason and more, I have decided to create this gofundme. Despite the anxiety and sadness I feel and not wanting to leave my dad’s side, I take these few minutes to ask for prayers, thoughts and help pay for his medical expenses, medication and future funeral costs. My dad deserves to be as comfortable as possible, and find peace knowing that our family will be taken care of. My grandparents and my family have been the primary providers during this time but know that the costs are only beginning to increase as my dad’s pain increases the usage and dosage of all his medication will increase as well.

I along with my mom have taken an emergency pause at work and school to come be with my dad, never leaving his side and helping my grandparents and family in mexico. At this time, we ask for an abundance of prayers, and support. With the hourly use of medication for my dad, his labs, scans and in preparation, its at this point that we realize we need help from our family, friends and community. My grandparents and family were not prepared for the costs and need to prepare for the funeral expenses to come as well.

This is very hard for me to share but as a daughter, seeing all that my dad has done for me and continues to do for me despite his symptoms and extreme pain, feel the need to ask for support and owe it to my dad to make sure he receives all the necessary medication and medical assistance he needs so he no longer suffers and finds comfort in knowing I and my family will be okay.

I have created this gofundme in hopes of raising money for my dad’s medication, medical expenses and future funeral costs.

I sit by my dad’s side, praying and wishing there was something more I could do to help cure him, but I know right now I need to stay strong and focus on making him as comfortable as possible.

Thank you for reading my dad’s story and in advance for your prayers and support during this time. I will continue to provide updates as much as I can as I try to not leave my dad’s side or use my phone.

The photo I have included was my very first photo with my dad when I was born and when I was a toddler. I am and always will be his little girl.