Alberto Pelaez

8 years ago, Alberto and Billie started getting healthy together.  Billie jean decided to go through a procedure to help with weight loss and Alberto was her biggest cheerleader.  Shortly after, Billie was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a double masectomy.  Alberto cared for her and pushed her to continue on the path of a healthy lifestyle.  Together, they joined the YMCA, doing cardio and weight lifting daily!  Alberto, even learned how to swim for the first time in his life and starting enjoying spin classes too!  In June 2017, Alberto noticed he was feeling breathless after just climbing the stairs.  At Christmas, Alberto had a small, painful lump under his right arm.  He became ill, was hospitalized and underwent a biopsy.   He was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer.  It was in both lungs and spreading.  He was given 60 days to live without treatment.  Alberto started  treatment January 15, 2018.  Because Alberto was in such good physical condition, he was chosen to participate in a test Immunotherapy treatment, one of the first is West Michigan.  He went through 3 months of chemo and everything that goes with it but after a followup scan, found that the treatment failed and the cancer had spread.  We have one last option, Alberto was accepted to participate in another experimental treatment of chemo and a drug call VX970.  This is only offered in Bethesda, Maryland but offers immeasurable data for all those suffering from small cell lung cancer and might offer a small window of hope for extending Alberto's life.  Billie and Alberto are travelling on their 2nd trip to Maryland for treatment.  We continue to pray for Billie and Alberto during this difficult time in their lives.  

As you can imagine, the medical bills have become quite the financial burden.  Out of pocket costs and several missed work weeks for Billie Jean are making things difficult and stressful.  We ask for your help, as anything helps or if anything your continued thoughts and prayers.  

Thank you for taking the time to read their story.  Billie and Alberto have been like family to me for the last 16 years of my life.  Alberto, my favorite Cuban, resident DJ, the best smile and infectious laugh and best dad to their fur babies.