Help Steve in his Recovery

Steve’s Journey - https://youtu.be/bG9Vi_Wyp4g

I want to invite you to watch this brief video I made and join me on a journey that our incredible Scout leader, and my dear friend, Steve De La Cruz, has been on over the past year. This is a journey that has tested every part of his being—his strength, his courage, and even his very sense of self.

Health Challenges

As many of you know, Steve underwent spinal surgery over a year ago to remove a tumor. Due to complications from several surgeries and the tumor, Steve has faced unimaginable challenges. He has been unable to work and is still struggling to walk. Steve’s doctors did not give him a good prognosis. In the beginning, he couldn’t even move his legs, and he had no sensation at all. But this is Steve we’re talking about. He has fought relentlessly to try to beat the odds. He has never blamed anyone for his circumstances. Instead, he has shown profound gratitude for the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who have supported him along the way.

I’m sharing this update because Steve’s journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It’s a story of strength, perseverance, and resilience that everyone should hear. More than that, I want to help Steve and his family, and I hope you will too.

Steve has been following every recommendation from his healthcare team to regain his strength, his balance, and his flexibility. His single greatest goal right now is to walk without assistance and return to work—to provide for his family the way he always has.

As you’ll see in the video, Steve has been working tirelessly toward that goal. He’s been doing everything he can, from daily workouts at home to intense sessions at LA Fitness in Niles. He is doing everything he can to regain the basic functions that most of us take for granted. Steve has always been the kind of person who gives and gives, never counting the cost or asking for anything in return. But now, I’m stepping forward to ask for a little help for him and his family.

Steve’s Dedication to Others

If you’ve had the privilege of knowing Steve, whether through Troop 626, Queen of All Saints, or the Edgebrook-Sauganash community (and beyond), you understand just how much he means to all of us. He has touched the lives of countless boys and girls, guiding them into becoming compassionate, responsible young men and women. The impact he has had on so many lives is immeasurable, and if I’m being honest, puts tears in my eyes. Steve’s vision and leadership has made deep and lasting impacts on our community and has inspired our children, including my own, to be the best versions of themselves, pushing them to be outward oriented and focused on helping others at all times.

Financial Struggles

The truth is, Steve and his family are facing significant financial strain. He’s been unable to work for over a year, and while he hopes and plans to return to his position eventually, right now he needs to focus on regaining his health so that he can walk again. His wife, Kim, is working hard, but she too is facing her own challenges, currently undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer.

Steve and his family are incredibly grateful for the support they received through GoFundMe a year ago. It made a world of difference, and it’s helped them make it this far. But Steve still has a long road ahead of him, and his primary focus needs to be on his rehabilitation. With a little more help, he can continue his journey toward recovery and eventually return to work.

If we can come together and help Steve and his family stay afloat for just a little longer, it will truly make a world of difference. Steve is young, determined, and has so much more to offer the world. He deserves the chance to focus on his health, to heal, and to keep pushing forward. His work ethic, his unwavering motivation—it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.

I’ve had the privilege of working out with Steve at LA Fitness in Niles these past few months, and I can tell you that the progress he has made is remarkable. Watching him come in with his walker and canes and get down to work only motivates others around him to push harder and never give up.

Support Needed

If you’re able, please consider donating whatever you can to Steve’s GoFundMe—whether it’s $5, a kind note, a prayer, or words of encouragement. Every little bit helps. We’re all in this together, and together, we can help Steve and his family navigate this difficult time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mark Abraham