Support Cruz and His Family in the Fight of Their Lives

I’m organizing this fundraiser for my cousin Cruz and his amazing parents, Magie and Nelson Alves, from Unionville, CT. They are the strongest, most loving people I know—facing this painful battle against cancer for the third time with incredible courage, and right now, they need all the support they can get to focus on what matters most.

Cruz is a brave and extraordinary young man who has been forced to fight harder than most people ever will in a lifetime.

At just 5 years old, Cruz was first diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM) — an aggressive, fast-moving brain cancer. After undergoing extensive treatment, he miraculously beat the odds and entered remission. For 12 precious years, Cruz was able to grow, laugh, and live with hope.

At 17, Cruz is once again facing the same devastating diagnosis.

Cruz is not just fighting for himself — he’s fighting through a grief that few can imagine. In 2018, Cruz’s older sister, Sophie, tragically passed away from the very same cancer. This family has lived through this nightmare before and is now being asked to walk through it again. The emotional toll is beyond words.

In recent weeks, Cruz has been spending a lot of time at the hospital due to his condition worsening, and he is preparing for another major brain surgery at Boston Children's Hospital to help give him the best chance possible. After surgery, Cruz will begin an intense three-week radiation treatment at Brigham Women's in Boston. He’ll need to remain in Boston for at least a month or more, fighting through the physical and emotional toll of treatment as he continues this incredibly difficult journey with strength and courage.

Cruz, Magie & Nelson continue to face each day with strength and heart. Your generous donations will help cover the cost of travel, lodging, and other out-of-pocket expenses during this critical time, helping Cruz and his family stay focused on hope, healing, and time together.

As a token of appreciation, handmade ornaments are being offered with your donation. If you’re interested in receiving one, please get in touch with Carla, the organizer of this page. To do so, simply scroll down and click the “Contact” button located right below her name where it says Organizer.

Thank you so much for your support, generosity, and love during this difficult time. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has already reached out to help our family, and a special thank-you to Faith Zeller for generously donating the ornaments to support Cruz and our family.

#CruzStrong