Dear family, friends and kind hearted strangers.

I am reaching out to you during one of the most challenging times in our lives. My dad was diagnosed with Metastatic Kidney Cancer (also known as stage 4 kidney cancer) last year on December 7, 2023. We always knew the possibility of this thing returning was there, but our faith and optimism always prevailed. Nevertheless, we didn’t expect it to come back as severe as it has.

My dad has completed two rounds of different treatment plans plus radiation within the past months. Sadly, none of these treatments were effective and it has made us as a family come to one of the hardest decisions I think we will make throughout this type of journey. We have decided (along with my dad’s wishes and conversations) to stop all treatment. His oncologist and the rest of his medical team was also in agreement in understanding as to why my dad no longer seeks to undergo treatments and as to why it would be best to focus on pain management + comfort.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first cancer rodeo for my dad. He initially faced this back in 2014 when he was first diagnosed with kidney cancer… however back then it was categorized as stage 2. In which, his medical team caught it early enough to where he was able to get kidney removal surgery and be in remission for over 7 years. Over the years my dad focused on his well-being and spending time with us (his family) and taking advantage at his second chance of life.

So much so that he was promoted to grandpa (aka Papa) twice. His grand babies are absolutely EVERYTHING to him. They are his force of energy, his reflection of pure love and his reminder that he made it to one of life’s most precious era’s as a parent… being a grandfather ❤️

Anybody who knows my dad, knows he can be quite private about his personal struggles (in life and health) & reserved to let people fully in. But to know my dad you also know that he is quite the social butterfly with a contagious smile and laughter that you can’t deny. He is always finding ways to make others laugh and find the positive/ logical responses to ease ones nerves when facing a challenging situation. Three of his primary statements that he lives by are to “always do your best,” “todo va estar bien” (everything will be okay) and lastly “esto también pasará” (this too shall pass). These are words he tries to embed into those he loves because in his eyes, if he’s made it through all of life’s challenges, then so can you. If he’s been able to find a solution through a problematic situation, then so can you. My dad is forever a fighter. He loves hard and protects those he keeps close to his heart. But he is also tired. Both mentally and physically.

As you can imagine, the news of his cancer returning at the stage it has and the treatments not being effective, it has shaken our family to the core. Although, we are holding onto our faith and the love that surrounds us during this time, its moments like these, that we are reminded of how essential it is to remember that we are not alone. It’s already extremely hard to talk about my dad’s current circumstances, but please understand even harder for us to finally ask for help. This disease has already taken so much away from us… from my family… that we are essentially forced to witness what is called a “slow death” with my dad.

Although, we do have a village and AMAZING support . The reality is my dad’s life has slowed down tremendously and so suddenly since we were informed of his diagnosis. We realize we have come to a point where my dad’s life is on the line and time is of the essence. His cancer is spreading even more and the changes that are affecting his overall health are changing at a faster rate than we’d anticipate.

 I understand we all go through hard times so anything helps.. Whether it be your love & support, a donation, sharing our story, or sending love, prayers and positive vibes. All is accepted and very much appreciated regardless.

Me & my family thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts! Our dad is a forever warrior and will continue to fight until the very end ❤️