***Update (March 8th, 2026)***

Your Support Is Making a Big Difference!

We wanted to share a quick update and send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Chico and his family. Your kindness and generosity have meant more than words can say.

Because of your donations, Chico has been able to receive two months of Optune treatment so far, and enough funds have been raised to cover three more months of treatment. This support is giving Chico more time and a better quality of life with the people he loves. He is walking, talking, and enjoying precious time with his wife and kids — cooking dinners together, going to hockey games, joining family celebrations, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. Being able to share conversations, laughter, and everyday moments together means everything.

This journey is still challenging, but the love and support surrounding Chico and his family have brought them so much strength and hope. Knowing that so many people are standing beside them means the world.

If you’re able to share this fundraiser, it can help Chico’s story reach others and continue supporting his treatment and his family during this time.

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.

***Update: Chico Has Begun Optune Treatment***

We wanted to share an update with all of you who have shown such incredible support. Thanks to your generosity, Chico has now begun Optune treatment. It’s a big adjustment and a lot to take in, but his family is incredibly grateful to have this option, one that offers hope for more time together.

They continue to be overwhelmed by the compassion, kindness, and love surrounding them. Every donation, message, share, and kind gesture has made a meaningful difference. From the bottom of our hearts, and theirs, thank you for standing with Chico and his family and reminding them that they are not facing this journey alone.

As they continue to take things one day at a time, it means so much to know they’re surrounded by so much love and support.

*** Update: Extending the Goal to Support 6 Months of Treatment ***

We are overwhelmed by the love, generosity, and support shown to Chico and his family. Reaching this point has been deeply humbling, and we cannot thank you enough for standing with them.

Because of ongoing treatment needs, we have increased the goal to $180,000, which will help cover approximately six months of care and the many related expenses that come with it. This adjustment simply reflects the reality of what lies ahead and allows us to keep supporting Chico and his family through the coming months.

To everyone who has already donated, please know that there is absolutely no expectation to give again. Your support has already made a meaningful difference. Sharing this fundraiser, offering words of encouragement, or simply keeping Chico and his family in your thoughts means just as much.

If you are able to share the link, it helps us reach more people and keep the momentum going. Every share truly matters.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the compassion, kindness, and strength you have shown this family.

*** Original Message ***

We are raising funds for our dear friend Chico, a devoted husband, incredible father, and one of the most generous people you could ever meet.

Chico is 46 years old and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his wife Shauna, their 12-year-old daughter Isabella and 15-year-old son Mattox. He is the kind of person who shows up without being asked. He coaches his kids’ activities, gives back to the community, makes people laugh without trying, and is a rock for his friends and family. He is deeply loved by everyone who knows him.

On May 4th, 2025, Chico suffered a massive seizure at home with no warning or prior symptoms. He was rushed to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed a brain bleed. An urgent MRI then led to the devastating news that Chico has a large, inoperable brain tumour, glioblastoma, an aggressive stage 4 cancer.

Over the last 7 months, the tumour has grown quickly and has caused extreme fatigue, difficulty speaking and walking, moments of losing consciousness, as well as other frightening symptoms. Shauna has been by his side every step of the way.

Shauna and Chico have already endured the unimaginable loss of their first child, Matteo, when he was just 3 months old. Through this and every hardship, they have held onto one another tightly and have been an inspiration to all who know them. Although they don’t hesitate for a second to help others, accepting help isn’t so easy for them.

Chico has exhausted all available treatment options. He has undergone radiation and chemotherapy, but his tumour does not have the markers needed to respond. Due to its size and location, surgery isn’t possible. Having explored every possible avenue locally and internationally, his family has tried to hang on to hope as they’ve faced one devastating disappointment after another.

At this point, the focus has shifted to time. Time to sit at the dinner table together. Time to hear Chico’s laugh fill the room. Time for his kids to ask questions, tell stories, and simply be with their dad.

There is one remaining treatment that could help protect more of that time. Optune Gio is a medical device that uses electrical fields to slow the growth of glioblastoma tumours. It has the potential to extend Chico’s life and to preserve quality of life. The heartbreaking reality is that this treatment would cost $30,000 per month and is not covered.

The financial burden is overwhelming while navigating caregiving, medical appointments, and trying to maintain stability for their children. This is not something any family should have to face alone.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution will go directly toward Optune treatment to improve Chico’s quality of life and give him more time with his family. If treatment can no longer continue, remaining funds will be directed toward Isabella and Mattox’s education and future care.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is deeply appreciated and helps us reach more people.

Thank you for taking the time to read Chico’s story, for caring, and for helping surround this family with love and support during the most difficult time of their lives.