The Warrior and the Battle

THE WARRIOR AND THE BATTLE

It began one September morning in 2015, Mario was having difficulty feeling his legs and walking, but was determined to get to work.  By the end of the week he was unable to walk without assistance and was admitted to the hospital for a possible stroke.  After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with Guillain Barr Syndrome a neurological and sometimes fatal disease.  By the grace of God he pulled through and went into rehabilitation to be able to walk on his own.  He returned to work, although he had to use a cane and still suffered with pain.  He felt something was not right, so further tests were done and the results showed that he had kidney cancer. By December, Mario was headed into surgery to have his kidney removed and then he was back for rehabilitation. He continued his follow-up doctor appointments, testing, and rehabilitation, but being the main provider for the family, he had to return to work with demanding hours and responsibilities. Due to this, he did not have the time needed to focus on his healing and health. In the midst of all the trials, on the anniversary of his son Joshua’s death, he was laid off from work which caused additional financial stress.  He pressed on even with all the pain and physical difficulty.  Praise God, by April, he had a new job but it is just as demanding. In June, he suffered a setback and was told that his kidney cancer had returned and metastasized to his spine.  He was, also, diagnosed with the early stages of Mantle Cell Lymphoma.  He underwent CyberKnife radiation therapy, but unfortunately, the tumor grew instead of shrinking. By September 2016, he underwent spine surgery to remove the tumor from his spine and insert a plate to help the spine.  It was an excruciating and painful recovery with many tears shed by all.  It was back to rehabilitation and the beginning of chemotherapy. Mario was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital countless times due to complications and the side effects of chemotherapy.  He has stage four kidney cancer and has been told he will be on chemo the rest of his life.  Mario was an Airborne Ranger with the US Army, he is strong and determined, but being very ill for over twenty months has taken a toll on his body.  He is grateful for every day, but he needs rest so his body can remain stable.  He suffered the loss of his son due to a car accident in the 80’s and both his parents to cancer.  Mario is a true warrior and hero and he is fighting the battle with all that he has. He is determined to see his other son graduate from high school this May. This has been a very difficult time for the entire family, God has sustained us all!  We ask for your prayers, especially, for his family: Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, and Kassidy.

On behalf of the Garza family and all his siblings Yolanda, Sylvia, Armando, and Monica:

We humbly request any financial gift you can give to help Mario and his family with the surmountable medical bills and to help relieve some of the daily financial burdens. We thank you for your consideration, your prayers, and your support.

 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” Galations 6:2