Support Rolando's Fight with Bladder Cancer

We are setting up a GoFundMe fundraiser for our oldest brother Rolando who was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer in March of this year. We have not shared this information with our mother Josie because she would not be able to handle the news. If she knew what was going on it would impact her greatly both mentally & physically at age 91. Please help us to keep her in the right mindset to support her son who wishes she not be told about his current health situation.

Rolando had 2 tumors in his bladder diagnosed as invasive high grade papillary urothelial carcinoma that were surgically removed in April. The good news is that the surgery went well and the cancer did not spread outside of the bladder wall; it appears to be contained. The bad news is he had to undergo chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells left behind.

Now that the tumors have been removed, Rolando was required to go through 4 rounds of chemo treatment which started in July. His 4th & last round of chemo started on August 28th and he is currently recuperating from the side effects of the drugs which can take up to 18 months to diminish, if they do. Some can be permanent. For Rolando bladder cancer added another layer of complexity to his life in addition to his MS struggles with walking as well as the many other symptoms that accompanies MS. Unfortunately, the chemo treatments have made it even more difficult for him to walk and maintain balance during this time along with vision impairment & extreme weakness. None of this has been easy for Rolando & has taken an overall toll on his body as well as his mental health to maintain a positive attitude.

End of September Rolando is scheduled to have an MRI & will be meeting with his urological surgeon in October to determine how well the cancer treatment plan worked and if next steps should be a cystectomy (bladder removal surgery). At this point it is looking like he will require surgery which is a lifelong change to his urinary function. Recovery from surgery for Rolando will be much longer than normal because of his MS and his walking will become even more of a challenge.

Rolando wanted to keep his health situation to himself but we encouraged him to tell his story not only for the extra prayers but for others who may be going through the same health crisis. Needless to say, Rolando’s bills continue to escalate and we do not want him to worry about what seems to be a never-ending debt. We want his focus to be on fighting this disease and making a full recovery.

We pray by the end of April 2024 Rolando will be in a good place and adjusting to his new lifestyle. So, on behalf of Rolando, we his siblings (Terry, Dianita, Mark, Pam & Kyle) hope you can find it in your heart to spare a few dollars and/or send Rolando a card of love & encouragement. All the funds we raise will be used toward Rolando’s medical bills.

God bless you all & thanks again, a million times over! We will continue to provide updates on his progress.

P.S. Again, please respect Rolando & our family wish to not share Rolando’s health situation with our mom. We plan on telling her after he gets the all clear from his doctors.