Friends and family, Many of you in Watsonville and the surrounding community have known my parents, Sylvia and Don, for decades. They have spent the better part of their lives pouring into the people around them, and now they could truly use our help. In September 2025, my dad, Don, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In the months since, he has lost a significant amount of weight, and just last week we were told the cancer is Stage 4 and has spread. A few days ago, doctors confirmed that chemo and radiation will not be effective, and we are now preparing for hospice care, which will be beginning very soon.
If you know my parents, you know how private they are. My mom gave me permission to share this because so many of you love Don and have been part of their lives for years. Many in the Watsonville community know Don not just as a Marine Corps veteran, but as “Joey” - the character he brought to life to connect with at-risk youth in our neighborhood. He had a gift for making kids laugh and feel seen, and many of those kids are now adults who still remember him by that name (including his own son). Showing up for people has always been at the heart of who he is.
As Don’s condition has progressed, he has been unable to work, and Sylvia has had to take time away from her job to care for him and manage everything at home. At the same time, medical bills and everyday household expenses continue to add up, creating real financial pressure for our family. Funds raised here will help cover ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and essential household bills over the coming months, easing the burden on Sylvia so she and Don can focus on spending meaningful time together.
To help Sylvia and Don conserve their energy right now, we kindly ask that you direct messages of support through this page. We continue to hold onto hope and appreciate your prayers and support. Thank you for loving Sylvia and Don and for standing with our family.
If you know my parents, you know how private they are. My mom gave me permission to share this because so many of you love Don and have been part of their lives for years. Many in the Watsonville community know Don not just as a Marine Corps veteran, but as “Joey” - the character he brought to life to connect with at-risk youth in our neighborhood. He had a gift for making kids laugh and feel seen, and many of those kids are now adults who still remember him by that name (including his own son). Showing up for people has always been at the heart of who he is.
As Don’s condition has progressed, he has been unable to work, and Sylvia has had to take time away from her job to care for him and manage everything at home. At the same time, medical bills and everyday household expenses continue to add up, creating real financial pressure for our family. Funds raised here will help cover ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and essential household bills over the coming months, easing the burden on Sylvia so she and Don can focus on spending meaningful time together.
To help Sylvia and Don conserve their energy right now, we kindly ask that you direct messages of support through this page. We continue to hold onto hope and appreciate your prayers and support. Thank you for loving Sylvia and Don and for standing with our family.