Oscar Arturo Cruz, a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and friend to many, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in August of 2016. He underwent chemotherapy and was pronounced cancer free in April of 2017. Although he was pronounced cancer-free he was in a weak state left to rebuild his immune system from that compared to as a baby’s; as doctors put it. His wife quit her jobs to take care of him 24/7 meaning wherever he went, she was right by his side no matter what or where. 

While in remission he battled against various infections and doctors recommended he undergo a bone marrow transplant. Thankfully his only son  was over 75% compatible, making him the perfect donor. Unfortunately before the start of the procedure, he was informed that the cancer had returned and that he had to undergo not only chemotherapy again but also radiation to assure the cancer was completely gone. It was a hard decision for him because he had not yet recovered from the first sessions of chemotherapy, but he chose to go through with it.

In November of 2017,  he and his son underwent the bone marrow transplant procedure. Doctors said the first 100 days would be the hardest because it was the phase the body had to go through to bond with the new bone marrow. 

During the 100 day period he seemed to have improved immensely. Unfortunately after he was discharged he then again continued his battle with various viruses, infections and constant visits to the hospital, which usually ended up in hospitalization for weeks on end. For him that meant he wouldn’t be get getting enough rest due regulatory procedures that included vital signs every 2-4 hours, blood draw every 8-12 hours (which he hated because due to the chemotherapy he didn’t have many veins left, which also meant they usually poked him various times looking for veins to retrieve a good blood sample from, leaving him bruised and in pain) he had physical therapy and due to doctors orders he was taking about 28 pills a day as well as medication through IV. 

His last visit to the hospital in September of 2018 was due to a cough he couldn’t

 shake, after being admitted he was told his Hickman Port was infected and that he had contracted a virus in his blood that was attacking his lungs causing them to slowly collapse. Doctors then intubated him because he had grown tired, weak and had trouble breathing.

2 days after being on the machine his heart slowly gave out, and his fight was over. 

Throughout the 2 year period he never gave up, he always fought hard. He was always joking around making people laugh, he always saw the brighter side of things, he was always the life of the party and never lost his faith in God.

Gone but never forgotten,
He will truly be missed.

In an effort to lay him down and rest peacefully, we are reaching to out for help to cover some funeral expenses. We ask that if you are able to, please help and donate whatever you can to help his family get through this tough time. Every cent helps and will be greatly appreciated, thank you.