Help Us Give Javier Tellez-Avila a Dignified Farewell

Hello, my name is Samantha Tellez-Avila and I am the sister of Javier Tellez-Avila. Javier was diagnosed with cancer in late December 2023. Even with his diagnosis, he never failed to make us smile. He was always positive, always happy, and found joy in music and sharing his life with his family and friends.

He improved for some time from February to August, with hope that chemotherapy was working. His tumor had reduced, and he was motivated to beat his diagnosis. Unfortunately, his cancer had grown resistant to chemotherapy, and he switched treatment three times until October 31, when we heard the worst possible news. His cancer had spread everywhere, and his oncologist told us all there was nothing more that could be done. Our family was heartbroken, but my brother would reassure us that everything would be okay.

Over the weekend, my brother grew weaker and was unable to keep food down. He ended up needing to visit the emergency department at Methodist Hospital due to struggling to breathe. On Saturday, November 2nd, he slowly started drifting to sleep. Then on Sunday, November 3rd, we were given the news that he had a few hours to live. The cancer had spread to his lungs, and all the nurses and doctors could do was keep him comfortable.

In his last hours, he was surrounded by family and friends. Even though he was unresponsive, we spoke to him and prayed over him for hours. He was loved, and I am sure he felt that in his final moments. His room was filled with loved ones, all who stayed with him until the very end.

I am starting this GoFundMe to allow my family and me the opportunity to give my brother a dignified, worthy funeral. On behalf of my family, we are grateful to all who are willing to help us in any way, shape, or form. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and learn about how much of a fighter my brother truly was. He vowed to beat his cancer, even if it took him along with it.