My dad, Nino, is my best friend and the steady heart of our family. He’s always been someone anyone could rely on—consistent, loyal, and tough, but with a soft heart. Nino overcame difficult circumstances as a child and taught me that with hard work and faith, you can build any life you want. He loves football on Sundays, and is the best there is in the auto industry. He tells the worst dad jokes, but always gives the best advice. His faith in Jesus has shaped our family, and he’s shown me the importance of believing even in the hardest times.

Just four weeks ago in September, Nino was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a terminal cancer. Since then, our lives have changed completely. My stepmom had to quit her job to care for him full-time, and I’ve missed work to be with him and drive him to appointments. My sister helps as much as she can, and together we’re doing everything possible to keep him comfortable and spend precious time with him. Nino is only 57, and had to immediately quit his job, as he could no longer do what he has always done. He was the provider in the family, so after he is gone paying the mortgage and bills will be the biggest challenge on my family. He can’t do much on his own anymore. I’ve held his arm up for blood draws when he was too weak. We’re all rearranging our routines to be by his side.

We’re raising funds to cover medical treatments, chemotherapy, medication, utilities, mortgage payments, hospice care, and, as hard as it is to say, eventual funeral costs. One recent moment that stands out is when my dad told me he knows he’s dying. We cried together, and I asked how I’ll know he’s still with me when he’s gone. He said, “In the morning when you have your coffee, I’ll leave a cabinet door open so you know your mom and I are both with you.” My mom used to leave cabinet doors open, and it always made him laugh. She passed away when I was younger, so soon he’ll be with her again. This fundraiser is about giving my dad, Nino, comfort, dignity, and time with his family, and helping us honor him in the days ahead.