Let’s Get Julio Home!!!

Hello friends and family,

Finding the words for this GoFundMe is hard! How can a few paragraphs hold both a family’s worst fear and best hope?

This is Julio: kind, devoted father, always smiling, football enthusiast, loyal friend, loving husband, and the ultimate Raiders fan. After the last few months we now also add courageous fighter!

On October 15, 2023 Julio was a healthy, hardworking and active volunteer football coach. Within days everything changed. An initial diagnosis of a pulled muscle escalated to excruciating pain and loss of mobility. On November 25th, after many visits to urgent care and emergency he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor and stage four renal cell cancer. The tumor paralyzed him. His doctors were unable to remove the tumor during surgery, so his paralysis is permanent.

Julio spent the next three months at Royal Columbian Hospital undergoing surgery, radiation, and multiple tests and other treatments. Julio’s main goal has always been to get home to his family: his wife Brandie and four children Jaden (15), Elise (13), Julian (11) and Jeris (7). Julio made the difficult decision to move to GF Strong, which is farther away from his family, to start an intense rehabilitation program with the end goal of going home ASAP.

Julio has been working hard even with the universe throwing obstacles in his way and hopes to be discharged in April. As Julio and Brandie plan for Julio’s return home, they have learned that getting the proper wheelchair, home equipment and care in place to make this possible is very expensive.

Every dollar raised through this GFM will help Julio move home, regain his independence, and be with his kids. The hardest part of Julio’s whole journey so far has been being away from his family.

We thank you for taking the time to read Julio’s story. We know that times are tough, but any amount you can spare is deeply appreciated. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing this GFM, or simply keeping Julio in your thoughts and prayers is helpful and very much appreciated.

Finally, remember life is unpredictable. Go throw that football with your kids, even if you’ve had a bad day and are exhausted. Take them for that late night Slurpee they are craving and don’t postpone that family vacation for another year. Make memories now that will last a lifetime.

Sincerely,

The Cusker & Ward families on behalf of the Cristales Family