My father was the most unselfish person I have ever known. For more than five years, he endured pain and suffering that is impossible to put into words—pain that only those who have lived it can truly understand. Through every high and every devastating low, he never lost who he was. He stayed strong. He stayed loving. He stayed hopeful.

Even as his body failed him, his spirit never did. He still had goals, dreams, and a heart bigger than any obstacle he faced. He carried a strength that felt greater than this world—a quiet power rooted in love, faith, and perseverance. He fought his battle with dignity and courage all the way to the very end.

These years have been incredibly difficult for our family as we balanced caring for my dad while navigating major life transitions, including starting new businesses. Unfortunately, my father did not leave behind any financial security or life insurance—he did not have a veterans life policy either. What he did leave behind is the most meaningful legacy of all: his love, his guidance, his memories, and the example he set as a father, a friend, and a fighter.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has reached out, shared his story, and offered support. A special thank you to Dan Griffin from Fox News for helping bring my dad’s story to light after it touched his heart. My father never asked for help in his life. He was always the one who gave. Always. But now, in his passing, our family needs help.

We are asking for assistance to bring our father home to Puerto Rico, where his final wish is to be laid to rest beside his father, mother, and brothers. The costs of cremation, transporting his ashes, funeral arrangements, and travel expenses for our family are more than we can manage alone—but honoring his wishes means everything to us.

As we honor MSG Randy Santiago Cruz, we also want people to know who he truly was. My dad was a lifelong, diehard Seattle Seahawks fan. He was given days to live in November, yet he fought on and made it to just two days shy of the Super Bowl—and I know he loved every minute of it. Puerto Rico was on a national level that night, and he was so proud.

He loved fishing, cookouts, family gatherings, and finding joy in the simplest moments—even while fighting the hardest battle of his life. He fought with everything he had. Now, we are fighting for him.

The hospital where he was first taken left him lying in a bed on a ventilator for 47 days without proper care. They tried to take him from us—but we rescued him, and he did the rest. Now, I am continuing that fight for him.

Any support—whether through donating, sharing our story, or keeping our family in your prayers—means more than words can express. We are simply trying to bring our father home and honor an American soldier, a Paratrooper, a battle-tested Army Ranger, a man whose heart was bigger than his circumstances—bigger than life itself.

Selfless. Strong. Loved beyond measure.

#WeLoveYouDad #ArmyStrong #GoHawks