Hello,

I’m writing this solemn message on behalf of my father, Richard, a loving father of three — Jewel (11), Marlon (16), and Kevin (24) — who has recently been diagnosed with Stage IV cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Based on his latest scans, it appears that the cancer has spread further. Sadly, given his condition and the state of his body, it is unlikely that he will live longer than a few months.

This family, who lives in Yonkers, New York, has shown incredible strength and resilience, but they now face an uncertain future. Richard has always been the family’s primary provider (as the children’s mother, due to disabilities and a difficult past, cannot work) — working hard every day to ensure his children could stay in school, dream big, and build a better life. His eldest son is a Yonkers High and University of Pennsylvania graduate, his second oldest, Marlon, is an honors student at Yonkers High, and his youngest, Jewel, attends School 21. Over the past few months, despite undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Richard has continued to work two jobs — one at a factory and another at Wegmans — doing everything he can to help the family with living expenses.

As his health continues to decline, the family is preparing for a devastating loss: their father and their main source of financial support. While they will eventually receive Social Security survivor benefits, those take several months to process. The family therefore urgently needs help covering essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities in the meantime.

Richard, a longtime resident of Yonkers who also spent many years in Puerto Rico, has been working since the age of 11. Not long after, he dropped out of school to help provide income for his single-parent home, supporting both his mother and sisters. He has always done his best to provide for others — and now, we are seeking community support to help ensure that his family is cared for after his passing.

Your generous support will enable them to:

• Stay in their home and keep the lights on

• Have modest financial stability during this painful transition

• Cover medical and end-of-life expenses

• Provide a small cushion while benefits are being processed

We’ve set a goal of $25,000 to help cover three to four months of rent, utilities, and groceries, as well as funeral and end-of-life costs. This support will also allow my dad to spend more quality time with his family in his remaining months, without the constant worry of how bills will be paid. Every dollar will go directly toward these immediate needs, and any amount will make a meaningful difference.

Every contribution — no matter how small — will play a crucial role in easing their burden during this heartbreaking and uncertain time. In addition to a small contribution, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

Thank you for standing with this family when they need it most.