Support Maria's Dad in His Cancer Battle

Hi everyone, I’m Maria Rivera, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my family and my dad to ask for your support during one of the toughest times in our lives.

My dad is 58 years old, a lifelong baseball fan, and one of the most genuine and friendly people you’ll ever meet. Growing up, I always thought he was famous because no matter where we went, he’d run into someone who knew him. He’s the kind of person who gives even when he doesn’t have much, always putting others first.

Back when we lived in Venezuela, my dad built a career as an accountant and professor, earning recognition for his hard work and dedication. But beyond his accomplishments, he has always been known for his kindness, generosity, and the way he lifts up those around him. I have been lucky enough to call him my dad.

5 months ago, our world changed when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of doctor visits, endless scans, endoscopies, surgery, chemotherapy, and countless medications. He underwent a major surgery where 50% of his stomach was removed, leaving him struggling with even the most basic things like drinking water and eating. Despite losing a significant amount of weight and often feeling weak, he never stops smiling. No matter how difficult the journey has been, he refuses to let cancer shake his faith. He knows that God is bigger than this disease, and with his strength, he continues to fight every single day.

So far, he has completed four rounds of chemotherapy, with four more to go once he regains enough strength. The medical costs have been overwhelming, and despite all of my family’s and my hard work, we are struggling to keep up.

We are immigrants who came to the U.S. a few years ago, and like many, we never imagined we’d be in this situation. Even with health insurance, it’s simply not enough. We are just a family trying to get through one of the hardest moments of our lives, but we believe that God’s grace, along with the love and generosity of others, will help us through this battle.

That’s why we are asking for your help. Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference in helping us cover medical bills and ensure my dad gets the treatment he needs. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser so it can reach more people.

Cancer doesn’t stand a chance against faith, love, and community. With God by our side, we know we are not alone in this fight.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, support, and prayers. May God bless you all.

ESPAÑOL:

Hola, soy María, Nani, Mafer… como prefieran llamarme, y estoy escribiendo en nombre de mi familia y de mi papá para pedir su apoyo en este momento tan difícil.

Mi papá tiene 58 años y siempre ha sido una persona alegre, trabajadora y querida por quienes lo conocen. Desde que era niña, pensaba que era famoso porque cada vez que salíamos, alguien lo saludaba. Es de esos que hacen amigos en todas partes y siempre está dispuesto a ayudar a los demás.

Cuando vivíamos en Venezuela, trabajó como contador y profesor, dejando huella en muchas personas con su dedicación y conocimiento. Pero más allá de su carrera, lo que realmente lo define es su bondad y generosidad.

Hace 5 meses le diagnosticaron cáncer de estómago. Desde entonces, ha pasado por un sinfín de exámenes, endoscopias, cirugía, quimioterapias y medicamentos. Le removieron el 50% del estómago, lo que ha hecho que comer y hasta tomar agua sea un reto. Ha perdido mucho peso y se siente débil, pero sigue con la mejor actitud, sin perder la sonrisa y aferrándose a su fe.

Hasta ahora, ha recibido cuatro sesiones de quimioterapia y le faltan cuatro más. Los gastos médicos han sido enormes, y aunque hemos hecho todo lo posible por cubrirlos, la carga económica ha sido demasiado grande para manejarla solos.

Somos inmigrantes y nunca pensamos que nos tocaría enfrentar algo así. A pesar de tener seguro médico, los costos siguen siendo altísimos. Por eso, hoy pedimos ayuda para que mi papá pueda continuar con su tratamiento sin que el dinero sea un obstáculo.

Cualquier aporte, por pequeño que sea, hará una gran diferencia. Y si no puedes donar, compartir esta recaudación también nos ayudará muchísimo.

El cáncer llegó a nuestras vidas, pero no vamos a dejar que nos gane. Con el apoyo de Dios y de las personas que nos rodean, mi papá sigue adelante.

Gracias de corazón por su apoyo y sus oraciones.