My name is Terry Childers. I’m starting this fundraiser to help a very dear friend and fellow paramedic who serves the city of Hot Springs. His name is Cristian Isaac Jovel Ayala. Cristian was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is a very aggressive leukemia that came on very suddenly, and within a matter of a few days, catastrophe has hit this young family. As soon as the diagnosis was made, he had to rush to UAMS and immediately start chemotherapy trying to fight this horrible cancer. The leukemia, on his arrival, was already in 90% of his bone marrow. Chemo was started almost immediately. He is in the hospital at UAMS and will be there for the next 21 days or so. He is getting chemo every day. This will be the first of several phases in the next few months that he will have to go through.

As with any family that has to endure the horrible effects of cancer, it also comes with a tremendous burden to the family. Cristian and Ahnna have just started their life together, have a one-year-old son, and are both very new in their careers. This has caused a tremendous financial burden, as it would with any family.

I had the privilege of being Cristian’s preceptor at the beginning of his career as a paramedic. I immediately noticed his kindness and compassion that he showed every patient that he came in contact with, regardless of the situation. I knew that he had chosen the right career and had the servant's heart that we all need. His coworkers, his friends, and his family are very fortunate to have Cristian in our lives.

I am asking anyone who sees this to help support this family during these very, very difficult times. Cristian will be unable to work for several months. Ahnna is trying to work, take care of Cristian, and their one-year-old son, Isaac. Cristian has been a servant to his community and has provided care and even saved lives for 3 years. Let’s show him how much we appreciate his work and his heart.