My dad is the hardest-working man I know. For years, he and my mom have run a small screen-printing business in West New York, NJ. This past Easter, our lives changed overnight. What started as a visit to the emergency room for a fever turned into a life-altering diagnosis of cancer that has already spread.

He has now been in the hospital for over a week, and we still don’t know when he will be discharged. Doctors also discovered he suffered a myocardial infarction, a “mini heart attack,” and we are waiting on additional testing before they can begin treatment.

Despite everything, I know my dad is a fighter. He has overcome unimaginable hardship before, losing both of his parents at just 9 years old and helping care for his siblings in Ecuador. From selling bread and sandwiches as a child to building a life and business in the United States, he has never stopped working to provide for our family.

My parents came to this country in search of a better life. Even now, at 65, my dad refuses to retire because providing for our family is all he has ever known. Unfortunately, as a small business owner, he does not have health insurance, and the cost of care is quickly becoming overwhelming. At the same time, the business they built together is struggling to stay afloat. Their love and strength are unwavering. My mom has spent days and nights sleeping in a chair by his side, refusing to leave him.

We never imagined we would be here asking for help. If you are able to donate, share our story, or keep our family in your prayers, it would mean everything to us. We are also preparing to close our family business, Stanley Promotions, and are looking for anyone who may be interested in purchasing screen-printing equipment.

Thank you for your support and for keeping the Parrales family in your thoughts.