Hello everyone who loves Israel –
*Updates!*
On February 18, 2026, Israel was diagnosed with leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Israel was immunocompromised during his first cycle of treatment. His immune system was very weak, and he had to live in the sterile and controlled environment of a hospital in Mexico City.
Over late February and March, Israel received chemotherapy, had many tests taken, and navigated a difficult physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual journey to say the least. All of the support that has been shared through this fundraiser and through uplifting messages, thoughts, and prayers, as well as people’s visits to Israel, have been keeping his spirits high and providing strength throughout. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and from Israel!
We are ECSTATIC to share that Israel is currently in remission and will be moving to Los Angeles. This is truly amazing, and your generosity has made it possible for Israel to begin planning this next exciting stage of life. With this move comes continued treatment, medical expenses, and new living costs.
The fundraiser goal is now $75,000 to support Israel in this transition, and to help him continue battling cancer at a new facility for the foreseeable future. This amount is our best estimate of costs and increasing/ongoing needs. We appreciate your continued support to:
- Help offset Israel’s ongoing and increasing medical costs over the next two to five years (this includes all chemotherapy treatments, a variety of ongoing lab tests, medications, medical device expenses, charges for specialized care from hematologists and oncologists, etc.)
- Finance all forms of therapy to help him stay connected with his body, rebuild his strength, feel grounded, keep his spirits lifted, reduce treatment-related side effects, and enhance his overall quality of life
- Support his loved ones as they travel to visit him for weeks at a time, including expenses for all forms of transportation, accommodations, and related fees (flights, buses, rideshare, gas, parking, meals)
- Help Israel get set up in a temporary living space for the next round of treatment by acquiring accessibility equipment and any tools that help him move independently and navigate his new spaces as comfortably as possible
- Support Israel with transportation costs so that he can complete this next cycle of medical care without interruption or stress
Thank you, again and again, for all of your care, generosity, and love. We truly appreciate you sharing this fundraiser and contributing anything you can. Our gratitude is immense, and Israel feels absolutely loved and carried by his people - all of you! We continue to overcome this battle together, and we know Israel will beat cancer.
With so much love and light -
Family and friends of Israel Tovar
Organizer and beneficiary
Sunem Tovar
Beneficiary