My cousin Joel Sanchez Mendoza is one of the hardest working people I know. He came to the U.S. from Mexico to build a better life, but recently, everything changed. Joel was sent home from work because he was jaundiced, and after a visit to the ER and an admission to Centennial Medical Center, doctors discovered cancer cells in his bile duct. They performed a procedure to place a stent, but the news was devastating. The surgeon is concerned not only about bile duct cancer but also the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

Joel has no health insurance, and the cost of the surgery he needs—the Whipple procedure—is overwhelming. He has applied for financial assistance at St. Thomas Medical Center, but the surgery and related care will be a significant financial burden. Our family is doing everything we can, but we can't do it alone.

We are reaching out for help from our community. Any support, whether through prayers or donations, will make a difference for Joel as he faces this frightening diagnosis and the long road to recovery. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.