Today, I’m writing to you all to reflect the reality my family and I are going through, which feels like a horrific nightmare that you can never wake up from. On December 15th, my family and I received the heartbreaking news that my uncle, Anthony Herrera, had passed from stage 4 cancer. He put up a good fight and beat it twice, but the cancer came back with vengeance, and unfortunately, it claimed his life despite how hard he tried to win again.

The passing of my uncle has left my family distraught, myself included.

Anthony Herrera was a true warrior at heart, filled with unconditional love and fiercely protective of those whom he loved. During the LA fires, despite being told to evacuate for his own safety, he declined and bravely stood in the midst of the fire to help his community fight against the horrors. Risking his life, he helped put out fires throughout his neighborhood, trying to protect others’ homes and his community at the expense of his own life, because that was the type of man he was: honorably selfless.

When marrying my aunt, he came into our family and showed us a whole new perspective on life that changed us forever. He always stated that while it was important to be responsible, it was just as crucial to have fun because that's what life was about—living it to the fullest and enjoying every moment of it, as tomorrow is never promised. Anthony was a loving husband just as he was a damn good dad. He loved my aunt dearly, and despite them being separated, he still checked in, and they kept in contact, helping one another when the other needed it and just being there because that’s who he was: a man who loved his soulmate, as he’d say. He showed my cousins and me what it’s like to have a father who’s willing to stay and show up for his kids. And although our blood said otherwise, he always made sure to love us as his own and remind us constantly.

Uncle Tony was more than just a hardworking, selfless, kind, and goofy man: he was the embodiment of love itself that made a lasting impact on my family. And while he put up a good fight despite losing the battle, his memory still lives on because a love like that is infinite. And Uncle Tony, even if your soul couldn’t choose to stay, your heart loved greatly, making your impact everlasting and your spirit to live on forever in our hearts. My family and I are here today sharing his story because we want to give him the proper goodbye that he deserves. We kindly ask that if you can donate and/or share his story as well, we would be grateful and appreciative.

As for you, Uncle Tony, you’re no longer our earth-side angel, as you’ve gained your wings and are watching us from up above as the true guardian angel you’ve always been. We love you so much, Uncle Tony—thank you for showing us what it means to live life rather than survive it; you’re greatly missed. Now rest in peace, angel; you deserve it.