Remembering Benny Guerra

What a journey we have been on. In July of 2023 Benny (my dad) went to the emergency room with what he thought was kidney stones. After seeing a specialist, Benny underwent a procedure to remove a mass of unknown nature from his bladder. The doctors were immediately able to tell that the mass was a cancerous tumor. At that time they were able to remove approximately 85% of the tumor. After a follow-up surgery to cauterize the wound to assist in the healing process, it was decided that chemotherapy would be the best option for cancer treatment.

On Thursday, November 16, 2023 Benny was officially diagnosed with stage 2 bladder cancer and underwent his first chemotherapy treatment. To date, he has had a total of 6 chemotherapy treatments.

Seeing the effects of chemotherapy has been eye-opening; caring for a cancer patient is not for the weak. With Sara having a stroke in May of 2022 and still in her own recovery process, it has been an endeavor switching the caregiver role and getting adjusted to this new normal. The combination of their medical conditions is not ideal, but everyday they are getting through it.

Although Benny retired from KISD in 2010, he stayed busy by taking pictures or filming events around the community. With 40 years of capturing precious moments in countless families' lives, having his body force him to stop taking pictures was never the plan. With suddenly no stream of income coming from photography, Benny and Sara had to make do with retirement funds. This was much easier when deductibles had been met and treatments came at no cost.

A new year means that insurance deductibles have reset, meaning that the remainder of the chemotherapy sessions will need to be paid for out of pocket. The possibility of surgery is still on the table as well, which will be another large expense considering the surgery would take place in San Antonio. By donating to this GoFundMe, Benny and Sara will be able to focus more on recovery instead of worrying about medical bills. Any balance remaining is to be used on medical supplies, groceries, and cleaning products to assist with everyday expenses.

The love and support from the community has been overwhelming since making news of his cancer diagnosis public. Benny and Sara have been blessed with so many delicious meals, donations, and cards from family and friends since the start of this journey. In the coming months we should have an update on the efficacy of chemotherapy and whether or not Benny will need to undergo surgery. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated!

Thank you so much for all your support in making this treatment and recovery process as easy as possible!