As most of you may know, and some of you may not, Ruben was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor last December. It all started with a severe headache, nausea and blurred vision. He thought that he had a bad case of the flu and was at home on bed rest. He went to the ER a couple times and they only prescribed over the counter medicine to him. The next morning he woke up to turn off his alarm, and as he stood up he passed out and started seizing. Debra (his wife) called 911 and he was rushed to the hospital.

Through the next couple of months Ruben’s family witnessed him undergo different types of treatments. He has now had two brain surgeries: the first to relieve and reduce swelling and the second was then to remove part of the brain tumor. Throughout that entire time, Ruben was still being treated with countless hours of aggressive radiation and chemo not only to the brain but the spin as well. Now a long 10 months later Ruben is still battling this awful disease. He is at the City of Hope receiving a stem cell transplant and his family has never left his side. Both his parents and his wife have been taking him to and from doctor’s appointments and treatments, and sleeping in hospital rooms for weeks at a time. They have been there every step of the way, encouraging and praying for him through the toughest part of his battle.

We have created this gofundme page to show support not only to Ruben, but to the Navarro Family. They have felt the financial burden just as anyone in the same situation has. Ruben has not been able to work the entire time he has gone through his treatment, and his family has taken days off in order to be by his side during the time of his greatest need. The Navarros have long been a part of the St. Dominic’s community, and as members ourselves, we know exactly what that extended family still looks like to this day. They have relied on the St. Dominic’s community during this difficult time for spiritual strength and prayer to help them get through. This family has been through this day in and day out, and it’s been a long and arduous journey for them to say the least. We feel it is now time for us to be there for them and Ruben, as much as we can during this tough time.

Ruben’s stem cell transplant has begun to heal his body. The long road to full recovery is one of lots of faith, patience, and love. Please show any kind support that you can because we would appreciate any amount. Also please continue to pray for Ruben and his family as they continue supporting each other down this road. Thank you and God bless!!

#RubensArmy #RubenStrong