In April 2025, Ray and his wife Chastity received the kind of news that turns a family’s world upside down. After struggling with severe back pain and numbness in his legs, Ray was rushed to the ER. An MRI revealed something no one could have anticipated: Non-Hodgkin Follicular Lymphoma — a form of cancer. A lesion was pressing dangerously on his spinal cord, displacing it and causing the debilitating symptoms.

For those who know Ray, you know he is a devoted father to two young children and a loving husband. He’s a man of strength, discipline, and resilience. Ray immediately began combining holistic wellness practices and 75Hard tactics into combatting this disease. He approached his diagnosis with hope, positivity, and determination.

Ray isn’t just a husband and father — he’s the passionate and supportive force behind True Strength and Conditioning, a close-knit gym community in Temecula, CA. As a personal trainer and coach of more than 15 years, Ray has spent those years helping others become the strongest versions of themselves. His clients don’t just train with him — they run races together, do challenges together, and do life together. His quick wit, no-nonsense coaching, and heart of gold have made him not just a coach, but a friend, mentor, and source of motivation to many.

Ray built his gym around the belief that strength is more than muscle — it’s resilience, discipline, heart, and community. His passion for fitness and health started while training in his garage as a kid, where he began to train other local kids in his neighborhood. Which eventually led to him applying for a job at Bally Total Fitness as a trainer and working his way up the corporate ladder from there. He spent 2 years at San Diego Sports Medicine Center, and after that the true journey began when he opened up True Strength and Conditioning in 2015. He has poured himself into every session and every person who has walked through his doors. Now, it’s our turn to show him that same level of commitment.

In June, Ray underwent 10 rounds of radiation. Then in July, just one chemo treatment dramatically changed everything. His health began to spiral. On July 12, Ray was rushed to the hospital again, this time in critical condition—suffering from shortness of breath, a dangerously high heart rate, and rapidly weakening legs. Since then, he’s undergone countless tests, treatments, and has remained hospitalized as doctors work tirelessly to stabilize his condition. This journey has been long, painful, and incredibly hard on Ray and his family.

Up until now, Chastity and Ray chose to keep this battle private, trying to navigate the unknown with quiet strength and concern over his critical condition and weakened immune system. Knowing he is more susceptible to additional viruses and bacteria, they feared that having visitors may bring more unforeseen complications. His recovery is slow and steady, every day feeling like a roller coaster of emotions and constant around-the-clock monitoring of his condition.

There has been some progress — the lesion on his spine is now gone, and he’s no longer in pain — but his lungs are still extremely weak and his symptoms persist. Doctors have said that his lungs are battling ARDS and a type of pneumonia virus. With a weakened immune system, this has hit him hard. He has been given antibiotics to fight the infection and additional oxygen to support his needs. At this time, Ray remains critical - yet stable. His immune system, the infection, and his lungs have been given the support and rest they need. With each passing day, he is making progress, but it’s taking time to repair the damage that has been done to such vital organs.

Ray’s two young children miss their dad fiercely and his wife Chastity has been by his side through every twist and turn. She has been advocating for his care while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, managing a household in crisis, and overseeing the operations of their small business. This family needs the help of their community — not only to survive this storm but to keep standing when it’s over. Those close to them are humbly asking for your help - not just in thoughts and prayers, but in the form of tangible support that will allow them to continue the fight without the additional financial burden.

Your donation will go directly toward:

• Medical Expenses not fully covered by insurance

• Travel and lodging for Chastity as she stays near Ray during his hospitalization

• Childcare and daily living support while their children navigate life without their dad at home

• Rehabilitation and recovery costs once Ray is stable enough to begin his healing journey.

We know times are tough. But even a small donation — or a simple share of this campaign — can help this family breathe a little easier.

Ray has given so much to others. To his clients, his friends, his family, and his community. Let’s now give him the strength he needs to fight, recover, and come home. We’re asking for your support — rooted in love, hope, and the belief that no one should face this kind of battle alone.

Thank you for your prayers, your messages, your love, and your generosity. Let’s rally for Ray — and show him what True Strength really means.