To our friends, family, and the community:

My name is Junior, also known as Noel, and I am the proud son and only child of Noel Contreras.

Growing up, I always saw my father as the perfect person to imitate. He has been my example, my rock, and my best friend. If you know Noel, you know he is the type of person who gives his all for everyone else. For over 30 years, he has worked as a waiter, but he never viewed it as just a job. When asked about going to work, he would always smile and say, "I am not going to work, I am going to go play and enjoy it." He loves the people he serves, and he talks tirelessly about his customers.

The Accident & The Discovery

Our nightmare began on March 28th, when my father was injured in a car accident. I will never forget the 5-minute drive to the hospital—it felt like days. I remember screaming "No!" the entire way there, terrified of losing him.

When I arrived, he had been unconscious for 30 minutes. When he finally woke up and we connected eyes, the first thing he did was cry. I was just so grateful to see him conscious. But that relief was short-lived.

The scans from the accident revealed something worse than his injuries: a mass on his right lung, close to his heart.

The Struggle

From that moment, everything started to go downhill. Yet, despite the diagnosis and the pain, Noel continued to work. He didn't know how sick he truly was, and he persevered because he loves his community. He pushed through the pain to serve others until his body simply couldn't take it anymore.

We recently sought help at a local hospital, but instead of support, we were met with negligence. We were not offered assistance, and interactions with the staff left us feeling helpless. These delays allowed the cancer to advance unchecked.

Where We Are Now

Now, the situation is critical. My father has started coughing up blood. His right lung has filled with liters of fluid, and the cancer has advanced significantly (Stage 4). The man who spent his life serving others now desperately needs us to serve him.

How You Can Help

As his only child, seeing my best friend in this state is the hardest thing I have ever faced. My mom and I are doing everything we can, but we cannot do it alone.

We are raising funds to:

* Secure immediate, proper cancer treatment that was previously delayed.

* Cover the mounting medical bills.

* Support him while he is unable to work the job he loves.

We ask for your help and your support. As he always gave his all for others, we trust that our wondrous God, Jehovah, will use you to provide for him and his family during this hardship.

Please help Noel get back to his health, back to his family, and—God willing—back to the community he loves.

With love and gratitude,

Junior

(Son of Noel Contreras)