My name is Ana Conejo, and I’m reaching out for help for my dad — my favorite person, my biggest supporter, and truly one of the best souls to ever walk this earth.

Earlier this year, our world turned upside down when my dad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — an aggressive and fast-moving form of blood cancer. We kept it quiet at first, trying to stay strong and process what was happening, but the truth is, it has been the hardest fight of our lives. My dad has faced every single day with courage — enduring intense chemotherapy, countless treatments, and far too many unexpected ER visits. And now, he’s preparing for the biggest fight yet: a bone marrow transplant, his best and only real chance at survival.

Everything happened so suddenly. One moment he was working, being his usual strong, dependable self — and within months, his body began showing symptoms none of us understood. The shock, the fear, and the heartbreak of watching someone you love so deeply go through this is something I can’t put into words.

On top of the emotional toll, the financial burden is overwhelming. Between hospital stays, medications, treatment after treatment, and the upcoming transplant process, the costs are staggering. We’re a family that never asks for help — and my dad, especially, has always been the one to give help. He’s the man who will drop everything to help a neighbor, fix something for a friend, or make anyone laugh when they need it most.

He is one of the most hardworking men in the world — someone who has spent his life providing for his family and helping others without ever asking for anything in return. He’s the “cool” dad everyone loves — funny, kind, and humble — the kind of man who makes people feel safe just by being around. As a journalist, I try to help people through my work and share their stories, but everything I am — my drive, my compassion, my faith in people — it all comes from him.

Right now, my dad depends on constant blood and platelet transfusions just to keep his strength up as he fights through each stage of this battle. These transfusions are literally what keep him alive. Seeing those bags of blood and platelets — knowing they came from strangers who cared enough to donate — reminds me that kindness is powerful.

Through his journey, we also hope to bring awareness to the urgent need for bone marrow donors, especially within Hispanic and Latino communities, where matches are much harder to find. If sharing my dad’s story inspires even one person to register as a donor, it could save another family’s loved one — maybe even someone’s father, just like mine.

It’s heartbreaking to see cancer take such a heavy toll on someone who has given his whole life to others. But we are holding on to faith, love, and hope — and now, we need our community’s help to keep fighting alongside him.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it will go directly toward his medical bills, treatments, and transplant expenses. Every bit helps, every share matters, and every prayer lifts us up.

And if you’re not able to give, please — keep my dad in your prayers. Send your love, your strength, and your faith his way. Those mean just as much as any donation.

My dad has always taught me to be kind, to help others, and to never lose faith — even when life feels impossible. I’m asking for that same kindness and faith to be shown to him now, when he needs it most.

Thank you, from the deepest part of our hearts, for your donations, your shares, and your prayers. Your support means more than words can ever express.

❤️

The Conejo Family