Dear friends, family, and kind souls,

I come to you with a heavy heart but also with hope and love. As many of you know Lacy, has been my partner in raising two of the most extraordinary boys—Carson (15) and Carter (13). Over the past 4.5 years, Lacy has had a relentless battle against cancer. She has faced these challenges with strength and spirit that inspires us all.

Lacy has fought bravely through every obstacle cancer has thrown her way. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2021. After having a mastectomy and a whole bunch of medication and treatments she was told that the cancer was gone. That news only lasted about 6 months before she started having severe pain in her bones. Right before testing began to figure out why, she fell while getting dressed which resulted in a broken hip. While in surgery her doctors were able to do testing and came to the conclusion that the cancer had spread to her bones. With the help of her team of doctors and God, a few months later the cancer was disappearing. She had gone a little over a year before I received a call this past November from her with more horrible news. She was letting me know, her cancer had again returned and this time it was on the lining of her brain and surgery to remove it was scheduled only a few days later.

Unfortunately, her recovery was much more difficult this time around. She was now experiencing tremendous amount of pain due to nerve damage on the left side of her face. The loss of vision in her left eye was also a side effect from the surgery. At this point I know she felt hopeless and was falling into a depression. Even though the doctors were able to remove all the cancer she still needed to address these new issues. She wasn’t getting the answers or treatment she needed so in March she switched her care center to UC Irvine. With a team of new specialist they found out that although the cancer on the lining of her brain was removed an inoperable tumor was found behind her optical nerve. Throughout all this she has shown a resilience that leaves me in awe. Watching her go through multiple surgeries and treatments and all the pain she’s endured has been beyond tough. I wish I could do more, the feeling of helplessness is crushing.

Just recently, after losing her hair and feeling defeated, she told me she was thinking of ordering a wig from Amazon. I felt that maybe it’d be a good idea to schedule her an appointment to try on wigs that weren’t going to leave her feeling worse because of the artificial hair or overall fit. Carson went with us that morning while Carter was finishing up summer school. The experience turned out to be so much more than just picking out a hairpiece. When the sales manager of the wig establishment found a wig that looked most like the hair she had lost, the transformation was incredible. I saw her face light up in a way I hadn’t seen in years. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked in the mirror, and for a brief moment, it felt like the burden of cancer had lifted.

In that moment, Carson walked up to her and said, “Mom you look beautiful but I want you to know you don’t need hair, makeup or a wig to be pretty. You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” His words filled the room with love and hope, and I was overwhelmed with pride and honor that he had the strength and maturity to do that at such a pivotal moment. I can’t describe the feeling that came over me, I just knew that this wig would bring so much more than I ever expected.

This journey has not only been emotionally taxing but also financially challenging. Lacy is now on permanent disability and struggling to make ends meet with mounting medical bills. To be able to help her and my boys reclaim a sense of normalcy and joy is so important to me and why I’m asking you for support.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will mean the world to her. It’s not just about a wig; it’s about giving Lacy a new level of hope and reminding her that she is not alone in this fight. Your kindness will not only uplift her but will also have a profound impact on Carson and Carter, showing them the power of community and love in times of hardship.

Lacy, there are so many people praying for you and cheering you on. Thank you for not letting this disease change the incredible mother you are to our boys, even in your darkest days. Your strength is teaching our boys invaluable lessons about resilience and courage.

From the depths of my heart, thank you all for your support. Together, we can help Lacy find her light again.

With all my love,

Carlos