Help the Medinas Fight Cancer with Strength, Love, and Hope

If you’ve had the joy of knowing Alex and Sydney Medina, you already know how deeply kind, humble, and generous they are. They are the kind of people who show up for others—now it’s our turn to show up for them.

In December 2023, during what was supposed to be a routine check-up, Alex’s doctor noticed some abnormalities in his bloodwork and an enlarged spleen. After further testing, including an ultrasound and a bone marrow biopsy, Alex was diagnosed with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL)—a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that typically affects people between the ages of 65 and 70. Alex was diagnosed in his late 30s, making his case extremely rare and complex.

Despite the diagnosis, Alex continued to work hard, support his wife Sydney, and prepare for the arrival of their miracle baby Maddox. Through it all, Alex never complained—he simply kept going, focused on his family and his future.

But in April 2025, after follow-up scans at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the Medinas received devastating news: the cancer had not gone into remission. In fact, it had become more aggressive and is to be presumed to spread to additional organs. A team of oncologists and pathologists at Mayo reviewed his case and determined that he now needs a more intensive chemotherapy regimen to fight back.

Starting in the next few weeks, Alex will begin a series of aggressive treatments at Mayo Clinic. Each cycle will last three weeks, with infusions scheduled on Fridays to allow for recovery over the weekend. But the side effects are unpredictable—some patients bounce back in a few days, others are out for a full week. On top of that, Alex will undergo additional procedures, including scans and a port implantation, all while navigating insurance approvals and the emotional toll of this journey.

All of this is happening while Alex and Sydney care for their newborn, manage household responsibilities, and try to maintain some sense of normalcy. The financial strain is immense—travel to and from Jacksonville, medical bills, time off work, and the everyday costs of raising a baby.

This is where we can help.

We’re asking our friends, family, and community to rally around the Medinas. Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward:

Medical expenses and treatments

Travel and lodging for appointments in Jacksonville

Household bills and daily living costs

Giving Alex the time and space to heal without added financial stress - this fundraising goal will increase as more is known and needed.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping the Medinas in your thoughts and prayers. Your support means the world to them.

Alex is ready to fight with everything he has. Let’s help lighten the load so he can focus on what matters most: healing, family, and hope.

With love and gratitude,