On July 27th, 2025, our beloved Mateo Garcia—just 7 years old—took his final breath after a long, courageous fight with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his parents, his 16-year-old sister, and 13-year-old brother.

Mateo’s journey began in November 2023, when his parents noticed painful bumps behind his ears. What seemed like a minor issue quickly escalated into a diagnosis that changed their lives forever. Mateo was diagnosed with AML, and at only 5 years old, he began a difficult path of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and immune treatments.

He fought with resilience, losing his hair but never his spirit. After six months of intense treatment, Mateo was declared in remission. But hope was short-lived.

In Fall 2024, he relapsed. The cancer returned, and his breathing deteriorated rapidly. Doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant, and after a donor match (9/10) was found in Spring 2025, the surgery was performed. Mateo was kept under close monitoring post-transplant.

Then the unthinkable happened—his lungs began to fill with fluid, and he was placed on a breathing machine. For days, he hovered between life and death, as doctors worked to drain his lungs and stabilize his oxygen levels. Despite every effort, his small body grew weaker. On the day he passed, tears fell from his eyes—a quiet, final expression of love and awareness.

Why We're Asking for Your Help

As extended family, we are doing everything in our power to support Mateo’s parents during this devastating time. They’ve been emotionally and financially drained—overwhelmed by medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral costs.

Though the family was initially hesitant to ask for help, we created this fundraiser with their full consent, because we know how deeply they need our support right now.

We ourselves do not have the financial means to provide what’s needed—but we believe in the power of community.

️ How Your Donation Helps

Every dollar will go directly to the Garcia family to cover:

Funeral and burial expenses

Outstanding medical bills

Living costs as they take time to grieve

Even the smallest gift can help lighten the load. If you're unable to donate, please share this page with your network and keep the Garcia family in your prayers.

Remembering Mateo

Mateo was an athletic, sharp, and joyful soul—a child who brought life into every room he entered. His strength, even in pain, touched the hearts of his caregivers and everyone around him.

We will carry his memory forward, and we invite you to be part of that legacy by lifting up his family when they need it most.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your generosity.