Creating this brings a fragile sense of reality to what feels utterly unbelievable.

Despite our desire to keep this private, we now find ourselves in need of support. For many it’s Tio Samuel and Tia Lupe, or you may know them as Angel, Samantha, Arnulfo or Daisy’s parents. Maybe you’ve visited our home after school, you’re a friend or family, coworker, or you might be here from a shared post. Whichever the connection, You’re here, and I’m here, sharing the fragility of this difficult time my family is facing with you.

In early July, after a challenging diagnostic process, the doctors finally provided us with an answer to our Dad’s inability to eat or swallow even something as small as a pill, puréed foods, or even water, Locally advanced Esophageal Cancer.

As we embarked on this difficult journey of uncertainty, appointments, bloodwork, scans, waiting periods our family was hit with more devastating news. Our mom had to undergo surgery due to a diagnosis of High-grade serous carcinoma.

Both of these often diagnosed in advanced stages.

Today, my siblings and I are reaching out with open hearts, seeking your prayers, resources, and any support you can offer our family during this unpredictable time.

The weight of medical expenses and livelihood for both of our parents now rests on us. We are juggling double appointments, care, insurance, the overwhelming medical jargon all while grappling with the heartache of seeing our once strong, self sufficient, parents need practical help with tasks.

I miss seeing my Dad and Mom be the first ones on the dance floor at our family gatherings or my mom host and cook up her delicious rice, beans, pasta and chile for the carne Asada. I miss my Dad telling us that at his age he could outrun us, it truly is the smallest things that matter the most.

In advance, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for any contributions and support. Every gesture, truly helps and doesn’t go unnoticed.

If theres one thing I can leave you with, it’s the importance of advocating for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right trust your instincts, seek a different Doctor, go to another ER, if you feel like you are being dismissed get a second and third opinion, don’t wait.

Thank You for your support during this tough time,

Peña-Cardenas Family