Support Orlando's Fight Against Prostate Cancer

Dear family and friends, I reach out to you to share with an unsettled heart that my brother, Orlando, is in the middle of a fight against prostate cancer. Orlando learned of his prostate cancer diagnosis several weeks ago after undergoing a painful and complicated prostate biopsy. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed that Orlando's prostate cancer is aggressive. As a result, Orlando has decided to have his prostate removed. His surgery date is June 20th.

To you, Orlando may be a caring member of your chosen family; the cool cousin who knows everything there is to know about your genealogy; a loving nephew; the sibling you can rely on; the son who loves unconditionally. To me, Orlando is a hero who taught me from a very early age to always embrace my most authentic self. He is the reason why I am the person who I am today.

Therefore, with every fiber of my being, I ask you to please keep Orlando in your prayers, please share your well wishes with him, and please donate whatever you can as part of this GoFundMe request to help him navigate the financial burden that has already begun to accumulate, despite him having health insurance. All funds raised will go towards helping Orlando cover mounting medical bills, transportation to medical appointments, in-home care during the 6 - 8 weeks he will need to recover from his prostate being removed, and care for his elderly dog, Raven, who he will be unable to tend to in a meaningful way while he is recovering from surgery.

If you know Orlando well, you know that he is a survivor. He has survived several cancer scares and lived through HIV in the 80s and 90s, making him one of the few HIV Long-Term Survivors living with HIV for more than 30 years. With your support, Orlando will be able to add "prostate cancer survivor" to his remarkably powerful life.

With great appreciation and love to you all for your kindness and generosity.

Thank you,

Carmelo