John Flores Needs Your Support!

My name is Bevin and my brother is John Flores. Shortly before Christmas 2022, my brother was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer; a tumor discovered during a colonoscopy. His chemotherapy treatments would require a port to be surgically inserted under his skin and after each treatment, he would leave with a bag attached to slowly release the remainder of the chemo. He would be advised not to work during these treatments- His job as a stage hand on various stages was physically demanding and working with the port alone could have dangerous consequences, never mind the bag of chemotherapy attached to him. But he worked. He lifted things he shouldn’t have and he showed up when the chemicals were wreaking havoc on his body.

Why?

Because John’s troubles didn’t begin with getting a cancer diagnosis. John and his family were severely impacted by Broadway shutting its doors during COVID. Broadway was closed for 18 months. The financial, emotional, and mental burden that was put on our families during that time was something I didn’t think we would recover from, but my brother John showed his strength and love for his family in ways I have never seen. The pride and love I have for my brother during those dark days will never go away. But the universe is funny. You begin to breathe again and think things can right themselves and straighten out and the next thing you know, the man who's working hard and trying to make it all right after COVID era destruction in his life is handed a cancer diagnosis.

Surgery on October 9, 2023 removed the tumor and things are looking positive health wise. An emergency surgery the week of Thanksgiving and another surgery February 2024 have continued to keep my brother out of consistent work.

My hope is that my brother can focus on healing and being present with his family instead of being afraid of losing his home, or not providing for his family.

I have been stopped at random places in NYC and someone yells “you’re Johnny’s sister!” and I’m always amazed that I am recognized because I’m related to John. The sheer number of people who know “John at the bar” from Tracks is mind blowing and if just a fraction of people see this and find it in their heart to say a prayer for our family, I would be forever grateful. And any help with the mountain of bills, too, would be incredible.