Dear Family, friends, neighbors, and all of those of you who may or may not know me.

My name is Vincent Montalbano. I am 54 years old. I am a father to two beautiful daughters, and I've been married for 32 years to a beautiful wounderful woman, Ramonita Montalbano.

Anybody who knows me knows that I am a very reserved, quiet, and private person. I have always been independent, and I'm the person who always helps others. So please understand that it is hard for me to put my personal business out there today. I'm very embarrassed and dropping my pride to ask for help.

In February 2024, after days of nonstop vomiting and severe abdominal pain, I went to Good Samaritan Hospital expecting answers. Instead, I was sent home, only to return weeks later with worsening symptoms. After multiple tests and no clear explanation.

I was advised by my GP to go straight to NYU Long Island Mineola Hospital and to request to see Dr. Gary Deutsch, MD. Within one hour after receiving all test results, Dr. Deutsch diagnosed me with pancreatic cancer, stage 3. On April 3rd, I underwent major surgery called a Whipple procedure( pancreaticoduodenectomy). It's a complex surgery, typically lasting 4-6 hours, used to treat pancreatic cancer by removing the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, duodenum, and sometimes part of the stomach. It's the most common surgical option to remove tumors, offering the best control of the cancer. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and I fought through chemotherapy and recovery with everything I had. Despite setbacks, I regained strength and truly believed I was moving forward.

Now, in February 2026, I'm facing this battle again. I returned to NYU with new abdominal pain, gagging, and bile symptoms- only to learn that another tumor had been found in a different location that's inoperable. I am now preparing for radiation and additional chemotherapy. Doctors are hopeful treatment will shrink the tumor, but they have also explained that if it doesn't respond, the situation will become terminal. I really want to live not just for me but mostly for my family.

This journey has taken a physical, emotional, and financial toll. Between hospital stays, treatments, medications, travel, and costs have become overwhelming. I have exhausted all financial resources. I never imagined needing to ask for help like this- but right now, I truly do. Any donation, share, or kind word means more than I can put into words. Your support will help me focus on what matters most: fighting this disease and holding onto hope.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for standing with me during the hardest fight of my life.