Support Poet's Battle Against Cancer

CANCER FUND – Can You Help a Poet Out?

Hello everyone! I’ve been hit hard with some serious medical news. I’ve been diagnosed with Metastatic Squalmous Cell Carcinoma (Cancer) in the base of my tongue, deep in my throat. Symptoms began in early July of this year with a large lump in my neck and swelling around my Lymph Nodes.

I was hesitant to reach out to the community initially, but these last two months have been extremely challenging to say the least. Many days in July, August, and now in September I’ve been unable to get out and work. I drive Uber full time, and sadly, I’ve missed many days so far, because of fatigue, pain, stiffness, and discomfort in my neck/throat area, excruciating headaches, trouble swallowing, problem sleeping, depression, anxiety, among others.

Two close friends had given me personal loans, between the two, of $700 to help me pay my rent in August. I felt blessed to have to love and support of those dear to me.

I have not yet started my treatment, which should begin shorty. Per the specialist I’ve seen at UCLA, I may not need surgery, which is great news, but most likely I will require radiation. Also, with medicine, and a change in nutrition, I will beat this cancer. I am working hard at staying positive through this very trying chapter.

With your help, I will be strengthened, and can stay positive, connected, capable, and make it through the other end. And importantly, repay the loans from my friends, and not jeopardize my livelihood. I live alone, and don’t have any family here. I’m still currently financially supporting my brother - for more than two years now - through his rehabilitation and recovery from alcoholism and substance abuse, who is living in Brazil, and suffers from dementia.

My only son, Mateo, will be starting his Freshman year at the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Marine Biology. The empty nest was tough to process, though I couldn’t be more proud of him.

I’ve been feeling terribly isolated here in LA, and at times I’m at my lowest. The feeling of disconnection is all consuming. Fear and anxiety have been a massive load on my psyche. Insurance has also been an issue, having spent endless hours on phone calls trying to sort out being denied treatment at UCLA to ensure the best outcome possible. It’s all coming together, but slowly. My biggest fear is losing the roof over my head and becoming just another statistic.

Thank you immensely for reading this far and for considering supporting my cause. Bless you for your Love and Kindness.