This month, our beloved brother Wally was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).
Around Christmas, Wally began experiencing severe stomach pain. Even before that, his energy seemed unusually low despite his healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep. After a few days of worsening symptoms and no relief from medication, he went to see his doctor.
After a series of tests, Wally was diagnosed with GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) — a rare form of cancer that develops in the digestive tract due to genetic mutations, most commonly in the KIT or PDGFRA genes. These tumors are not caused by lifestyle choices or poor health habits.
Wally is a personal trainer and nutritionist who lives by the values he teaches — caring deeply about the health of others and building strength in both body and spirit.
But cancer does not care.
When Wally was just 11 years old, he was diagnosed with multiple bleeding tumors in his stomach. A third of his stomach was removed, and he made a full recovery. No one — including his doctors — ever imagined that a rare stomach cancer could strike him twice, especially before the age of 40.
Cancer is not fair.
Due to internal bleeding and severe blood loss, his surgery was scheduled urgently. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surgeons removed two tumors and another portion of his stomach. This was the second time in his life that part of his stomach had to be removed.
His surgery was successful, and he is currently recovering at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, where he will remain for several days before being discharged.
Once home, Wally will begin targeted cancer therapy with Gleevec (imatinib). While this is not traditional chemotherapy, it is a long-term treatment plan. He will need to remain on this therapy for approximately three years to keep the disease stable and prevent recurrence.
If you would like to learn more about GIST:
During this time, Wally may not be able to work at his normal levels as a physical personal trainer, his primary source of income. This sudden loss of income, combined with medical costs and long-term treatment, will place significant financial strain on him and his wife during a time when his sole focus should be healing.
The reality is simple: healing is harder when basic stability is threatened.
Housing, food security, medical expenses, transportation, and recovery time all matter — and financial stress directly impacts physical recovery.
Your support will help provide:
• Stability during recovery
• Coverage for basic living expenses
• Time to heal without pressure to return to work prematurely
• Support for long-term treatment needs
• Peace of mind for Wally and his family
Every contribution — no matter the amount — helps create space for healing.
If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page and holding Wally in your prayers and your heart.
A prayer for our brother:
May Wally be happy and at peace
May Wally be safe and protected from all harm, both internal and external
May Wally have a strong and healthy body, free of cancer
May Wally have ease and joy in his life
May Wally be free
Thank you for your love, kindness, prayers, and support.
We will share updates here as Wally continues his recovery and treatment.
With love and gratitude,
Keisha
Wally’s big sister
Organizer
