We are asking for help to raise funds for my dad’s funeral and memorial services. Everything happened so suddenly, and we’re struggling to process the loss of a man who meant the world to us.

On October 26, we took my dad to urgent care because he was experiencing severe stomach pains. He was given nausea medication and told to follow up with his primary doctor. But even though the pain didn’t get any better, we took him to the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach on October 27. He was still able to walk and communicate, and we never expected the news we would hear that day.

Doctors told us my dad had an 8cm mass on his liver, most likely advanced cancer. We stayed hopeful because he was still eating and looked fine on the surface. But just a couple of days later, on November 4, we got the worst call at 3am — my dad had vomited 2.5 liters of blood and was now in the ICU.

When we rushed to the hospital, we found him on a ventilator, hooked up to multiple medications. We stayed by his side, holding his hand, praying for a miracle. But after 48 hours, his condition showed no signs of improvement.

On November 6 at 1am, my dad passed away peacefully. We were right there with him, holding him as he took his last breaths, with the understanding that he no longer had to suffer. The doctors had explained that there was nothing more they could do, and we knew in our hearts that the right thing was to let him go, to release him from the pain and chaos of his body.

My dad was the most selfless, loving man you could ever meet. He would give you the shirt off his back, no questions asked. He would sacrifice everything for his family, his friends, anyone who needed him. He deserved peace, and as hard as it was, we knew the right thing to do was to honor that.

We are asking for help to cover the costs of his funeral and memorial services so that we can lay him to rest with the love and dignity he always showed to others. Any support — big or small — is appreciated more than words can express.

Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.

-Daniel Perez, Joanna’s brother