Hello Dearest Family and Friends,
Our family is walking through an unexpected and challenging chapter, and we are reaching out with humility, gratitude, and hope. Our father, Sam Lopez, whom we all lovingly call Papi, was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer. He has begun treatment at Rush Hospital, and our lives have changed overnight. We are doing everything we can to support him emotionally, physically, and financially, but this journey has become larger than what we can manage alone.
Papi has always been the quiet strength in our family. He shows love through action — fixing what’s broken, helping without being asked, and giving more of himself than anyone ever sees. He never complains and never asks for help. Now he is facing aggressive cancer treatment, and our goal is to make sure he can focus on healing without the added weight of financial stress.
An Aggressive, Three-Pronged Treatment Plan
Because of the stage of Papi’s cancer, his doctors have prescribed an intensive treatment approach that includes:
-Radiation therapy five days a week
-Hormone injections every six months
-A final surgery (brachytherapy)
This treatment plan is necessary — but extremely costly. And while Sam has insurance, not everything is covered.
The Medical Costs So Far
To date, Papi’s medical expenses total:
-Total hospital charges: $184,000
-Insurance coverage: $115,000
-Remaining balance: $69,000
This amount is overwhelming, especially with additional treatment and after-care still ahead. Papi is actively appealing the charges, but there is no guarantee the appeal will be approved. If anyone has experience navigating insurance appeals or hospital billing systems and is able to offer guidance, we would be incredibly thankful.
Caregiving Is Constant — and Costly
Our mother, Yolanda, is Papi’s primary caregiver at home, caring for him at night and on weekends while also being the main financial provider. She must take FMLA leave to assist with treatment transportation and care, resulting in lost income.
To support her:
-Adrian drives Papi to treatment 3 out of 5 days each week.
-Samantha takes FMLA to leave work early and help with after-treatment care.
-Katrina helps coordinate, keeps open communication, and provides any family support.
This schedule is exhausting — emotionally, physically, and financially — but we are committed to ensuring Papi is never alone through this process.
The Hidden Costs of Cancer
Beyond hospital bills, cancer brings daily expenses that add up quickly:
-Gas and transportation to Rush multiple times a week
-Premade meals and takeout on long treatment days (There is often no time or energy to cook.)
-Medications and supplies not fully covered
-Lost income due to caregiver FMLA leave
-After-care needs and unexpected expenses
How Your Support Helps
All donations will go directly toward:
-Ongoing treatment and medical expenses
-The remaining $69,000 balance and future treatment bills
-Transportation, gas, and parking costs
-Meals and groceries during treatment weeks
-After-care and recovery needs
-Income loss due to caregiving responsibilities
Our hope is simple:
We want Papi to focus on healing — not on bills, logistics, or financial fear.
Thank You
We know many people are carrying heavy burdens of their own. Any support — whether through donating, sharing this page, or offering guidance — means more than we can express.
Thank you for standing with us, for caring about Sam, and for holding Papi in your thoughts and prayers.
With love and deep appreciation,
Adrian,Samantha, and Katrina