Sandy's Final Flight Home

I know that the image may be disturbing to many,  but this is what cancer has done in the 2 past years to one my closest childhood brothers - Mr Sandy Centeno.   Since being diagnosed 2 years ago,  I have been his cornerman to help him fight this battle and he has done his best to keep fighting like the stubborn little man he has always been.  The fuel to his drive has always been the 3 young children (ages 10, 8 & 6) that he proudly wanted to see grow up,  but now that fuel tank is now starting to approach empty as he has exhausted all of his energy in this,  his toughest fight.  I am very proud to see how valiantly he has fought and glad to have been part of this journey with him,  but I now need to be realistic and understand that he has given his all and that we may not be able to beat this monster called "cancer" - this time.

 That said,  I refuse to let it break my spirit and will choose to celebrate the man who raised my competitive level in sports and friendship to heights I didn't think was possible,  but more importantly,  I consider him a brother who was one of my biggest supporters and always had my back.  I will now try and pay him back for the years of friendship by helping his family prapare for his peaceful final trip home.  I know that many of us have families affected by the recent hurricanes and have donated to these efforts so I simply ask for whatever you are able to spare as I will pan handle to make sure that his family is prepared for his final depature.

Most importantly,  I would ask that you respect his family's privacy at this time.

Thank You In Advance.

Anthony Lopez