Support Uncle Alex's Battle Against Cancer

It is coming up on the 7 year anniversary of when my mom was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It's always an emotional time of year, with lots of bittersweet memories, and what I feel like PTSD from it all. It was jarring the contrast of it. It went from us being on a much needed vacation with family visiting loved ones on both my dad's and mom's sides of the family, to my mom being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and a brutal 6 month fight before we lost her. I have always wondered what life would have looked like had we caught it sooner, before it got to stage 4.

Friends and family, I am heartbroken to say that my Uncle Alex, my mom's last surviving sibling, has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Back in April he had to have emergency surgery on a lump of his tongue. After some additional testing and scans they found it had spread to his lymph nodes, and there was a suspicious spot on his lung. The biopsy for the spot on his lung came back negative, which is incredible news! However, he has a long hard road to recovery that includes chemo, radiation, and additional surgery. His doctor talked about having to do reconstructive surgery since the doctor suggested removing half of the tongue and putting a graft from his leg or arm.

Every trip to Southern California with family, or friends, or church, or school, I have always arranged to meet up and see my Uncle Alex. In fact, we were visiting with him when my mom was diagnosed. I have often referred to San Diego as my home away from home, and he and his family have always been near and dear to my heart. He is caring, and loving, and positive, and all the wonderful qualities that my grandparents had that were also passed down to their three kids; my Uncle Alex, my mom, and my Aunt Ruth.

My Uncle Alex and his lovely wife, my Aunt Angeles (Maria Keller), need all the help and support they can get. My Aunt Angeles is the only one working, but has had to take some time off to take my Uncle to his appointments, and will need to take additional time off when he goes in for surgery and will be hospitalized at the beginning of July.

And currently he hasn't been able to really eat anything. The only thing my Uncle has been able to have are protein shakes, which are not cheap, and insurance hasn't covered anything for him nutrition wise.

Earlier this week they had to cancel an appointment because his insurance didn't approve the doctor's visit and nobody let them know ahead like they said they would. It impacted them financially because my Aunt lost a day at work, plus the cost of gasoline in Southern California prices, and put an extra 65 miles on their already overworked car.

If I had the resources, I would give everything I could to help ease their financial burden, but what I physically have is not nearly enough. I decided to set up a gofundme for them. I will be receiving funds on their behalf, but every penny of it will go to my Uncle Alex and his family.

If we could get lots of people to give what they can, any amount they can. Whether it be $100, or $10, or $1, whatever is on your heart to give. Every little bit can add up and help carry this burden. Please help give my Uncle the fighting chance that my mom wasn’t able to get.