Hi everyone,

We are creating this GoFundMe together as a family for my father, Victor Salas.

Just weeks ago, our lives were turned upside down when my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive grade 4 butterfly glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer. This type of tumor is irregularly shaped and spreads into both hemispheres of the brain. Due to its location, every neurologist and specialist we have seen has confirmed that surgery is not an option.

The tumor is pressing on the bilateral frontal lobes, affecting both sides of the brain. This area is responsible for personality, judgment, and decision making, essentially what makes someone who they are. While my dad is thankfully not in physical pain at this time, his personality has changed, and it has been heartbreaking to witness. Occasionally, I still see glimpses of the man he once was, and I hold onto those moments as tightly as I can.

Over the past three weeks alone, our family has traveled to Baylor Scott and White in Temple, MD Anderson in Houston, and Texas Oncology in search of answers and hope. Each specialist has given us the same diagnosis and outcome. Without treatment, doctors estimate he may have only 3 to 6 months. With chemotherapy and radiation, he may have 12 to 14 months, depending on how his body responds. We have been told clearly that treatment will not cure or shrink the tumor, only slow its growth.

We are currently trying to begin treatment, but the financial burden is overwhelming. Just his first radiation appointment is nearly 7,000 dollars, and this is only the beginning. We are actively trying to secure the best insurance we can afford to help cover specialty visits, medications, and ongoing care, but time is not on our side.

During the biopsy surgery to confirm the tumor was malignant, my dad’s oxygen levels suddenly dropped. Doctors discovered he had two pulmonary embolisms, which could have taken his life before the tumor did. He underwent an emergency thrombectomy without blood thinners, which was extremely risky due to the high chance of brain bleeding. He was placed on a ventilator and sedated. Against all odds, he was able to breathe on his own once the sedation was lifted. He is truly a fighter and the strongest man I know.

Our holidays were spent by his side in the ICU. We spent Christmas at his bedside, and his birthday was celebrated in a hospital bed. My dad was born on December 31, 1952, and this may have been the last birthday and Christmas we get to share with him. Knowing that, I made sure to cherish every moment and take as many photos as possible to hold onto those memories forever.

My dad is a business owner and has been the sole provider for our family and for my mom for the past 30 years. He has been unable to work for the past few months due to his illness. My brother has done everything he can to keep the business going, but we may be forced to close it permanently. My mom has not worked in over 20 years and is retired. They are currently living solely on Social Security, which barely covers their mortgage and basic necessities.

I have taken on the responsibility of managing all of their finances, making sure bills are paid, navigating medical expenses, and uncovering credit card debt they have relied on just to survive.

If you know Victor Salas, you know how full of life he is. His sense of humor, warmth, and ability to make anyone laugh are things we will cherish forever. Watching the man who spent his life protecting his family now require 24 hour care has been devastating beyond words.

We are asking for your support through donations, prayers, and kind words. Any contribution will go directly toward his medical care, medications, living expenses, and ensuring he has the opportunity to fight this for as long as he chooses.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you are able to give.