The Pilao family, whom I consider dear friends, would never ask anything of anyone but are always the first people to lend their support to anyone in need. I have started this GoFundMe because their family is in a dire situation and could use your support.

In the summer of 2021, Emmanuel was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer called ALK, which stands for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. By the time he was diagnosed, his cancer was already stage IV.

Manny was healthy and fit, never smoked and worked as a home care nurse. He was very active with his 1.5 year-old daughter. But since his diagnosis, the family's world has been turned upside down, and their life forever changed. It has included countless doctors appointments, hospital stays, medications and treatments, as well as many 911 calls and ambulance rides.

Rose, who consistently worked as a nurse at two hospitals, has been unable to do so the last 1.5 years as she cared for her husband while he sought treatment. She never wanted to leave Manny’s side as he needed her more than ever.

Since April 2022, Manny has been in and out of the hospital every week trying for an alternative treatment while his cancer tumors have grown and caused him immense pain.

He has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy — neither of which has been successful.

Manny recently celebrated his 40th birthday with his family in the hospital — a day after doctors told him there was nothing more that they could do for him. This was devastating news that no one ever wants to hear. Manny and Rose were at a loss for words. But they did not want to give up. Rose decided to send his records to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Initially, they were hopeful because he was accepted there but his health has declined tremendously and so, they too have said they cannot do anything for him because of how unstable his condition is. At this time, they are trying to get Manny back home to New Jersey.

As you can imagine, they are facing massive medical expenses in addition to the normal costs of living — a mortgage, groceries, gas, car payments, etc.

Please consider donating to this GoFundMe and sharing it with your friends and family to help offset these expenses. No amount is too little.