Help Gary beat cancer!

Gary’s Calling:

Gary is a dedicated teacher who has served in the classroom and his community for over 25 years. He is passionate about providing all students with the opportunity to learn and is an eternal optimist! Gary has taught students of many ages -from middle school through college, and served as a Faculty Trainer to college professors. He has positively influenced many students’ lives inside and outside the classroom. He has served the community by volunteering at the Delray Beach Public Library as a Math and English tutor, coached robotics teams, served as a coach for Boys JV basketball and assisted at the Varsity level, volunteered on numerous committees promoting STEM education, and presented at local, regional, ad national conferences. He developed an Earth Science curriculum at Ransom Everglades Middle School for the study of Astronomy and, through the Rocketry Club, mentored students to safely launch over 2,000 rockets!

He is well-respected by his peers and his students for his patience, empathy, expertise in education, and sense of humor. Last year, Gary started his own consulting business, as an educational consultant, focusing on helping students in Math and in preparing for the SAT, ACT and ASVAB.

Our family:

Gary is the love of my life, my best friend, my partner. He is also a dedicated and loving father to RJ and stepfather to my two children, Linette and William. We love spending time together as a family, whether watching a movie, having dinner, or playing games. We have had many happy, loving experiences and for those we are grateful. And we pray that through the excellent medical care he is receiving at the University of Miami Hospital and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, we will continue to have many more! 

Devastating Diagnosis:

On August 16, 2019, Gary and I were was shocked when he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. On September 17, 2019, Gary underwent surgery (a glossectomy) at the University of Miami Hospital. Ten percent of his tongue was removed and he had a radical neck dissection where 60 lymph nodes on the right side of his neck were removed. He is currently undergoing 33 radiation therapies and 7 chemotherapeutic treatments.

Reality Check:


Cancer is an EVIL BEAST.  We are getting a brutal hands-on education. Because of his surgery, and chemo, radiation, speech, and swallowing therapies, Gary is in constant pain. His inability to perform the work that he loves, teaching, has placed an incredible burden on his financial situation and his ability to provide for his family and medical care.

Insurance doesn’t cover some prescription pain treatments and minimally covers others. As you know healthcare costs and cancer treatment costs are enormous. Funds donated will be used to pay for the exorbitant costs of treatments and medications that insurance does not cover, loss of income, etc.

Whenever adversity strikes, I’ve always said: “This Too Shall Pass”. And for as much as this is a brutal experience to go through, I know, in my heart, this too shall pass! And he will come out a winner and a survivor!

We, the Team of “This too shall pass!” humbly ask for your support in helping Gary getting cured from cancer and getting back to what he does best, teaching and helping others!  We will greatly appreciate if you would share your positive vibes, thoughts, and prayers with us. If you are in a position to help us cope with the financial burden that this cancer has placed on us and our family, we will be eternally grateful! Any size donation will help get closer to the goal! Please try to donate and please share this campaign.

We are blessed with loving family, friends, and neighbors. We have been emotionally moved from the sharing of spiritual strength and support. We urge you to celebrate life, take nothing for granted, and savor the moments and cherish them!

 Warm Regards,

Loanis Menendez-Cuesta

“THIS TOO SHALL PASS” - Team Leader

 

Donations (108)

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  • Carla Thelot
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Rachel Vanness
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Daniel Markarian
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Loanis Menendez-Cuesta
Organizer
Pompano Beach, FL

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