Help the Nunez Family

My Dearest Friends and Family,

With much heartache and sadness, I am making this request on behalf of my sister-in-law Yuka (Cathy) Nunez and her family, her husband Joe and her children Joey Shota (17) and Mia (15). 2021 was a tough time for them; unfortunately, that struggle has continued. It has been very hard on them both financially and emotionally.

She is the family's sole breadwinner and has had to deplete most of her savings paying medical bills for Joe’s treatment stemming from his terminal Stage 3 astrocytoma (brain cancer). This all began in November of 2013 with the original diagnosis. Since then, there have been multiple seizures, surgeries, hospital stays and chemo and radiation treatments, all of which have led us to now. More recently, Joe’s health has been declining, and he has lost mobility on the left side of his body. He’s lost his sense of balance and needs assistance to walk. He’s lost his balance and has fallen a few times just trying to walk in the house. He now suffers headaches, and eating has become a struggle too. Everything to him is work, and he needs assistance with simple day-to-day activities. The latest CT scan shows significant swelling on the right temple where his brain tumor is, but it has now spread to his frontal lobe. The Team of Doctors explained that this is a very challenging case and are unsure of the prognosis. Brain surgery is not recommended since the cancer will likely return and will not change the diagnosis.

We are doing everything we can to make Joe’s time comfortable with minimal pain with Home Hospice Care. However, the various medical expenses associated with Home Hospice Care are overwhelming, and it’s not something she can continue to afford.

While we all struggle with the inevitable outcome of this dark situation, the bright spot we have is watching their son Shota, our nephew, get accepted into The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Inspired by Joe’s medical condition, Shota is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience, for which we are incredibly proud. He aims to someday be able to assist other families facing the same or similar situation and to be able to provide them hope.

I have known Cathy for the last ten years, for five of those, she has been my sister. And for those who know Cathy, she would do anything for anybody. She is kind, genuine, loving and selfless. It is truly heartbreaking to watch your family struggle in such a way that she is. I sincerely hope no other family would find themselves in our situation. We are truly grateful for your love, prayers, and financial support. Cathy has given so much to all of us. I hope we can now help her in her family’s time of need.

Any funds raised through his effort will help Cathy pay for the quickly mounting medical expenses not covered by insurance. I know the bills will overwhelm the family soon. In addition, some funds may go to first-year college expenses not covered by financial aid. Every contribution is meaningful, and we appreciate you dearly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.