To the reader of this post, my name is Nikki Gaeta, and I am a 25-year-old full-time college student and caretaker for my father, who was battling stage four Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In the early morning of May 3, 2026, my dad, Jorge Gaeta, succumbed to his three-year battle with stage four terminal cancer. It was a long, treacherous battle that he fought until the very end. He was first diagnosed in early 2023. What he thought was tooth pain turned out to be a three-inch tumor growing from the mandible, making it difficult for him to close his mouth or chew food. It was in March 2023, that he was diagnosed with cancer, and thus began the long battle he had to endure for the next three years.

From a simple tooth extraction to a fourteen-hour life-saving facial reconstructive surgery, they had taken his fibula and turned it into his new jaw. This surgery had left him with several other wounds that would contribute to saving his life. He had a tracheostomy, a feeding tube, and an incision on his left leg from knee to ankle. I was there every step of the way, from feedings, medication, wound care, appointments, and cancer treatments. With every new treatment, we were filled with hope that he would recover and be able to live a regular life again, but his condition only worsened. However, my dad was a fighter, and he was determined to make it through this battle. Through countless chemotherapy sessions, immunotherapy, and radiation, he persevered and continued to live life to the fullest. He loved to be outside, working in the garden, riding his bike, going for breakfast, and taking a quick trip to the flea market on Sunday mornings.

About a month ago, his health began to decline rapidly. His movement became limited, breathing was difficult, leaving the house got harder, and eventually, he took a trip to the hospital that he never came back from. He spent two weeks hospitalized and a week in a specialized facility in hopes that he would become strong enough to spend his last moments at home with his family. His biggest concern was never about himself or his condition; he was afraid of leaving behind his family. He was a provider; he always made sure we had everything we needed, even in his final days. The impact he made on our lives will live on forever. He was a kind and generous man; he would've given anyone the shirt off his back.

My reason for starting this fundraiser was originally to raise money to cover funeral expenses but because of unexpected circumstances, we are raising money to help us, my mom, my brother, and myself, get back onto our feet during this devastating time. Anything helps, even just a share.

I carry his legacy by fulfilling the dream he had for himself and for me. He told everyone that he wanted to live as long as he could to see me graduate, and though he is no longer here, I will continue to pursue higher education in his honor.

If anyone who contributed would like their money back, please message me, letting me know.