Support AJ Briceno's Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

Support AJ and Family in His Battle Against Stage 4 Colon Cancer

In July 2024, my brother, Adan “AJ” Briceno, at the age of 43, received the life-altering news that he has stage 4 colon cancer. Since then, he has been courageously fighting his diagnosis, currently undergoing chemotherapy with six more rounds to go.

This news came after months of increasingly intense abdominal pain and challenges landed him in the ER and to the discovery of a tumor in his colon causing nearly a complete bowel obstruction. AJ went into emergency surgery on July 11th, his youngest daughter's 11th birthday, while he and our family hoped and prayed that the tumor was benign. As grateful as we were that the surgery was successful in removing the tumor, the doctors informed us of the gut-wrenching news that it was in fact cancerous and that the cancer had metastasized to nearby lymph nodes and his liver.

Outside of this unthinkable cancer diagnosis, AJ is a caring father of five—two young children still in elementary school and three grown children—and has dedicated many years of his life to serving his community, most recently working within the NC Department of Corrections. As a lifelong resident of Davidson County, he’s well-known for his unwavering commitment to his job, his family, and his church. He is also an active and devoted member of Freewater Church, where he’s been a pillar of support and faith for those around him.

As anyone who has had to confront a stage 4 cancer diagnosis may know, my brother faces an unimaginable challenge. This cancer has caused more than a strain on his physical body. Having to miss significant time from work due to his emergency surgery, subsequent long recovery, and ongoing chemotherapy treatments has created a financial strain nearly as debilitating as the disease itself. Additionally, he was unfortunately uninsured at the time of his emergency surgery, meaning that the surgery and 10-day hospital stay, including 4 days in the ICU, have left him with over $140,000 in medical debt.

The financial burden of these medical bills, combined with his inability to work, has added a crushing layer of stress during an already difficult time for him and the family. AJ has always been a strong, caring father, worker, and community member, and now he needs our help more than ever.

This is where we can all make a difference. Our intention is that through your donations we can help offset any of these external stressors so that my brother can focus all of his energy on beating this cancer and being present for his family. Please consider helping lessen the financial strain of his medical expenses and household needs with a donation to AJ, Melissa, Sariah, and Elijah as they navigate this unthinkable journey.

Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a profound impact and help lighten the load for AJ and his family. Your generosity, love, and prayers mean the world to them and our extended family, and your support is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for standing with my brother, AJ, and his family as they navigate this difficult time. Your kindness will help him continue to fight for his health and his future!