Update 7/25: PLEASE DISREGARD the suggested donation amounts when you try to donate. Any contribution matters, even a dollar!
Hello everyone,
My name is Josie Esquivel and I am reaching out during a very difficult time. We recently lost my brother, Robert Jesus Otero, his nickname was “Chuy”. Chuy passed away on July 4th, 2025 from HCC (Hepatocelullar Carcinoma) Liver Cancer, where he was diagnosed in March of 2025. For the last few months he was battling against all odds to try and get enough strength to be a candidate for cancer therapeutics, yet he could not because the damaged liver hindered his ability to eat food leaving him extremely weak. Now in his name, a Gofundme has been established to help with the expenses.
Chuy was a very beloved brother, uncle and family member to everyone where his passing has left a huge void in all our lives. Chuy underwent surgery for intestinal wall cancer in 2022 and needed 24/7 care and attention to recover. Chuy's younger disabled brother whose suffering with CHF and COPD, and his nephew, took him into their home post surgery. His nephew dedicated taking care of Chuy and his father, being an advocate for all his medical affairs, leaving his job to be a full time caretaker. Chuy helped financially to keep their residence possible to live without fear of economic hardship. In addition, for the past 2 years Chuy required in-home health care due to COPD complications and recovering from his surgery; resulting in the use of Oxygen 24 hours a day and constant wound care.
We are now faced with the unexpected financial burden during a difficult time of his final expenses, family situation, and outstanding bills. Your support will allow us to focus on honoring Chuy’s remarkable legacy without the added stress of financial concerns regarding family he supported, his cremation services, and a remembrance celebration to honor Chuy for his friends and family. The donations from the GoFundMe will immensely help with the following:
Lost income/emergency help for his nephew and brother: His nephew for the last three years dedicated helping his uncle, housing him in his apartment and fathers; while Chuy went through post surgery and cancer. He still is a caretaker for Robert's brother, who as well has COPD requiring oxygen 24/7, has congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. While grieving and adjusting in this difficult time, the donations will directly go to their rent, groceries, and utilities for them to survive.
Crematory costs: The donations will cover the crematory costs for the family covering the costs.
Celebration of life costs: We are celebrating with our family and close friends the impact Chuy had many lives with a ceremony in a community park. We will use the donations for coffee, donuts, and fruit; including rental fee, and helping family members attend.
We are also making sure the donations will help anticipate any unforeseen expenses during this difficult time.
Chuy was not only a cherished family member but also a dedicated individual who made significant contributions to the Sonoma County community. He was co-founder of KBBF Radio station. It was the first Bilingual /Bicultural Broadcasting station in the nation. He and Lorena Otero devoted their lives to the Alliance Medical Center (Alianza de Pueblo Clínica de Campesinos) in Healdsburg, CA. They were very instrumental in the passage of the first Rural Healthcare piece of legislation in California (AB-2450 - Garamendi). Chuy was a key counselor in the Social Advocates for Youth in Santa Rosa, CA focusing on gang prevention in Sonoma County, CA; a compassionate social worker for the Sonoma County Child Protection Services focusing on protecting children from toxic and abusive households. Chuy changed thousands of lives in our community with his empathy, dedication and intelligence where his impact continues onward.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and kindness during this difficult time.
Here is a link to a Press Democrat Article in memory of Robert Jesus Otero’s legacy:
Organizer
Josie Esquivel
Organizer
Santa Rosa, CA