*Please Read Most Recent Update* Dear Friends and Family, My name is Carlos Esquivel and I am the father to an incredible, brave, courageous, sweet, funny, and loving young 7 year old boy battling brain cancer. It is currently impossible to find the right words. This nightmare began at the end of 2015, when my son Joshua, at the age of 3 years old, was diagnosed with Pineoblastoma brain cancer. Having no knowledge or understanding of what a brain tumor or childhood cancer was, Joshua’s mother, Lupe, and I were set off to deal with a battle nobody is ever fully prepared for. Heartbroken and overwhelmed, Lupe and I continued to have faith and trust in our Oncology team, and pediatric care that the Children’s Hospital of Orange County provided us with. We were told the extremely low survival rate for this hideous disease, but from that moment on we held tight to our faith, and the adrenaline of being a provider and parent quickly took over and never gave us a chance to give up. We love and appreciate all the nurses, doctors, volunteers who supported us throughout this time, along with our friends and family. From 2015, through the present time, Joshua and our family have endured 3 battles of brain cancer consisting of multiple brain surgeries, brain trauma, and neutropenia which is “the presence of abnormally few neutrophils in the blood, leading to increased susceptibility to infection. It is an undesirable side effect of some cancer treatments.” Joshua underwent numerous infections, various rounds and forms of chemotherapy, radiation to the brain and spine, blood transfusions, late night and early morning emergency room visits. He’s had to take more medications (both in liquid and pill form) that a 3-year-old child, and now 7-year-old boy, should ever have to take in his life. Joshua has had more doctor appointments/follow up checkups and labs drawn that I could ever keep track of. He’s undergone physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric testing, all essential for his well being. More than anything, he missed out on having a normal childhood, the opportunity to be a normal boy who would one day dream to take on the world.   Unfortunately, we are now almost four years into this nightmare and the doctors have told us the disease no longer has any more treatment options. Therefore, I have decided to take time off work to devote 100% of my time and energy caring for Joshua in the final stages of his life, and be able to provide comfort and love. In my heart I know we have done our best to protect, comfort and love our son. Now the date being October 2019, we are heartbroken and devastated living through the stages of end of life. As some may know, I am a co-parent to Joshua with his mother. As the financial provider to Joshua, my mother, and to myself, I have tried to maintain strong enough, emotionally and physically, to continue working to cover our living expenses. However, given Joshua’s grave health condition, I am unable to work and am kindly asking for your generosity with any donation you may be able to give. Your help will allow me to continue being a pillar of strength and love to Joshua, while not having to stress about the financial responsibilities. I understand we all have our responsibilities, but your help will sincerely be appreciated during this time. Thank you for your support. Blessings and love your way. Sincerely, Carlos Esquivel Joshua’s Dad