My father, Eliazar Vela, is one of nine children. As the son of migrant workers, he grew up watching his parents work tirelessly in the fields, learning the value of hard work at a young age. Yet even through the long, dusty days in the heat of Shafter, California, he was taught that education would open doors far beyond farm work—and he carried that belief with him. Passing that same value on to his children.

From those hot, dusty fields, he rose to become an educated, degree-holding professional who has worked in IT for over 37 years. His journey is a testament to determination, sacrifice, and vision. Throughout my life, he has been a hardworking and devoted father. Because of him, he taught me to be strong yet humble, confident yet grounded.

He is a man who came from humble beginnings and never forgot where he started. Everything he has done has been rooted in love for his family and hope for our future. Now, I want to turn that focus back to him—the man who made so much possible for his family.

My father was first diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in early 2021. He bravely faced months of chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately a major surgery to remove part of his pancreas. During this time, he had to step away from his long career in IT to fully focus on his treatment and recovery—a difficult but necessary decision after more than 37 years of dedicated work. Thanks to his strength, family prayers, and the dedication of his medical team, he entered remission after surgery in late 2021. For over four years, he was able to enjoy life cancer-free, defying the odds after being given just a 5% survival rate at the time of his diagnosis.

Unfortunately, in late 2025, our world was turned upside down again. Doctors discovered a mass on his lung, and after a biopsy, we learned that the cancer had returned, now affecting his lung. He is currently undergoing extensive chemotherapy once more, with the possibility of radiation, to fight this new battle. The costs of treatment, medications, and ongoing care have become overwhelming for our family.

We are reaching out to our community for support so my father can continue treatment with the doctors who helped him before. Your generosity will help cover medical expenses and give him the best chance to fight this cancer again, without financial constraints. Please consider donating or sharing our story—every bit of support brings hope and strength to our family as we face this challenge together again. My father has always had dreams of traveling the world, and watching grandkids go off to college. We would love nothing more than to continue having him by our side through it all. Thank you.