Join Us in Supporting John’s Fight

My name is Myra Palomin, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my cousin Sonia Olivarez and her husband John, who are facing the fight of their lives against cancer.

John, 49, has dedicated his life to protecting our community with the Edinburg Police Department, by serving for 23 years.

Throughout his distinguished career with the Edinburg Police Department, John has served in multiple key roles, including patrol officer, SWAT team member, criminal investigator within the Criminal Investigations Division, and as a Task Force Officer assigned to the FBI.

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, John was awarded the Edinburg Police Department’s Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during a dangerous incident on July 22, 2014. During this event, he and several fellow officers were ambushed while attempting to execute a high-risk arrest warrant.

November 2024, John was diagnosed with cancer and has been making frequent trips from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston for treatment.

This devoted husband and father of two needs our community’s support as he battles Large B-Cell Lymphoma that has aggressively progressed, recently spreading to different areas of his brain.

On July 8th, our family received devastating news that John’s cancer had advanced significantly. While the doctors at MD Anderson in Houston haven’t given a specific stage, they’ve made it clear that the cancer is very progressed.

John was undergoing CAR-T Cell Therapy, an innovative but intensive treatment that requires him to be in Houston - over five and a half hours away from their home in the Rio Grande Valley.

As of July 17th, John is currently in ICU on mechanical support and is being treated in order to resume CAR-T Cell Therapy.

This distance is taking a tremendous toll on the family. Sonia, a dedicated counselor at PSJA Early College High School, expects to burn through her sick days rapidly as she travels back and forth to be by John’s side.

Their two sons, ages 26 and 16, also need to make frequent trips to support their father. Once Sonia's sick days are exhausted, the family will face a significant reduction in income at the worst possible time.

After 27 years of marriage, Sonia refuses to leave John’s side during this critical time, but the financial strain is overwhelming. They’re already facing approximately $10,000 in medical bills, and the expenses continue to mount daily.

Your donation will help with:

Travel expenses for Sonia and their sons (gas, lodging, meals during treatment stays)

Current and ongoing medical bills

Supplemental income to help when Sonia’s sick days run out

Unexpected expenses that arise during this difficult journey

John has always been there for our community, not only with Edinburg Police Department but as a United States Marine. Now it’s our turn to be there for him and his family. Any amount helps, and if you can't donate, please share this campaign.

Your prayers and support mean everything to the Olivarez/Lopez/Palomin family during this challenging time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.