Help Raul Fight Brain Cancer

Hello everyone thank you for taking the time to read this. I wanted to take this moment to explain his story and start this fundraiser. My name is Adriana, my brother Raul is my only sibling and it breaks my heart to see my brother go through all this at such a young age. Raul is 35 years old and father of two beautiful little girls. He worked extremely hard to provide for his family. He was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Any donation will go towards help with further treatment, medical bills and monthly bills until he's released to go back to work.

On December 30, 2020 Raúl had his first seizure and was taken to Banner Hospital for evaluation. He was then referred to a neurologist. Less than 3 weeks later he went to Salt Lake City to go snowboarding. Shortly after landing he had his second seizure and paramedics were called. He was evaluated and decided not to snowboard. Sadly 3 hours later he had his 3rd seizure and there he was started on medication. He was told it was a brain bleed and that the brain would soak up the blood. He was recommended to get an MRI every 3 to 6 months. His medication was changed and he then started to have a lot of side effects, then he was switched to a third medication that caused an allergic reaction. Finally he was put on a fourth medication that stuck and continues to take, and prevented all seizures.

The years 2021 and 2022 were met with a lot of mental and physical problems for Raul. The seizures did stop but he was starting to get really forgetful. He would have speech issues at times, constant headaches, and be very irritable. Raul also became very impulsive in making important life decisions, and also began to exhibit depression and anxiety. He was out of work for few weeks and was admitted back into the hospital at Banner as his family searched for answers to Raul's unusual behaviors. He slowly started becoming himself again but as the doctors continued to do MRI'S, the "bleed" was still there.

In September 2023 the bleed became a mass, and the neurologist determined it had grown. He was referred to a neurosurgeon for further evaluation and it was determined he needed a biopsy. On October 24th he went in for the biopsy and a sample was collected and sent to the lab. A week later we finally were relieved to see we had answers yet those were sent to another hospital for further research. Our world changed on November 5th when we learned he was diagnosed with Glioma which is cancer of the brain, and the mass they had found was a cancerous tumor. We had a telemedicine appointment the next day and surgery was scheduled. The neurosurgeon was hoping to remove 80% of the tumor but once he got in he was able to get it all! Tears ran down our faces as we were finally in the clear after 3 years of wanting answers. Sadly good news turned into bad news as his Glioma was then given a new name and grade.

He was now diagnosed with Grade 2 Astrocytoma and for this reason, it may be difficult to completely remove these type of tumors during surgery. These types of tumors tend to arise in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, meaning it will grow back. While we did get some good news that it wasn't the doctors worst fears of Glioblastoma (which is a more malignant cancer and has lower life expectancy), we still were not in the clear. Even though the surgeon was able to get all of the tumor out and technically he is cancer free at the moment, this type of tumor has a tendency to grow back. It could be months, years, decades until it grows back but this will be a constant thing he'll have to live with for the rest of his life. Again, Raul is only 35 years old. We met with the Oncologist and since the tumor is currently “gone” he recommended not to start chemo and radiation just yet and to wait to have that in our back pocket for when his cancer does come back.

We are unsure when Raúl can go back to work. It's been six weeks post surgery and Raul’s speech and memory have changed, he’s forgetful and can’t remember major events right now. He's been recommended to start memory and speech therapy. While the surgeon reassures us his side effects will go away, it is not a short process. Unfortunately Raul is ineligible for short term disability benefits in Arizona, as he has not been at his current position for more than a year.

Please never give up on your loved ones, friends or family. Mental health is real and you don’t know what they can be going through. Keep up with your health and listen to your body. My brother went three years not knowing what was exactly wrong with him and that takes a toll on someone mentally. We’ve been so grateful to have such a supporting and loving group of friends, family and coworkers who have supported him the last 3 years. Speak up and be an advocate for your loved ones and please never give up on them! We can’t thank you enough for your love and support during this difficult time. Even if you can't donate please help us by sharing his story. Any type of help counts, thank you all again!

Sincerely, The Molina Family