The cancer is back - this time more aggressive and with a mutation. the only options we were given were high-risk chemotherapy or hospice to "make the best of the time you have left."
We are not ready to accept that. We are choosing to fight for Tito again.
Most of you know that last year, Tito’s journey started with what we thought was a simple toothache. After multiple visits, scans, and a biopsy, the doc told us it's a rare and aggressive cancer called Spindle Cell Sclerosing/Rhabdomyosarcoma (SC-S/R).
From there. everything moved fast. He was admitted and began chemotherapy in March 2025. What followed were some of the hardest months of our lives. Failed chemo, deadly infections, long hospital stays, intense pain, and the physical toll that treatment took on his body. Tito kept going despite it all.
If you know Tito, you know he’s the kind of person who doesn’t quit easily - even when things are at their absolute worst. He’s strong, stubborn in the best way, and the kind of person who shows up for others without ever asking for anything in return.
In June, he underwent surgery. And after everything he endured, we were given the news we had been praying for: No evidence of disease. He did it. He fought through it. For the first time in a long time, we felt like we could breathe again.
That moment meant everything to us and we didn’t get there alone. Through the support of all of you - family, friends, and even strangers - we were able to raise $7,482 during Tito’s first fight. That support helped cover critical care, gave us time, and allowed Tito to keep fighting when things were at their hardest.
We will never forget that.
Unfortunately, that peace didn’t last.
In late November, follow-up scans revealed that the cancer has returned. This time, it’s more aggressive. Tito now has recurrent spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with a MYOD1 mutation - a form known to be highly resistant to treatment.
We met with his oncology team hoping for a new plan but instead, we were told something no family is ever ready to hear: There are no longer any curative options.
Chemotherapy is still technically available, but it comes with significant risk and no clear expectation that it will work - especially given how resistant his cancer has already been. Radiation is too dangerous and surgery is not possible.
As stated, the only options we were given were high-risk chemotherapy or hospice to "make the best of the time you have left."
We are not ready to accept that. We are choosing to fight for Tito again.
After searching for any possible path forward, we found a private treatment center that has accepted him and has an available opening starting April 27th.
Because this center operates outside of the traditional medical system, it is not covered by insurance or Medi-Cal and requires full payment upfront.
We have paid a down-payment of $5,000 to hold his spot, but the remaining amount of $14,000 is due by April 20th; seven days prior to admission.
This is not a guarantee, but it is his fighting chance. It's really the only chance we have. We are doing everything we can to make this happen, but we can't do it alone.
If you’ve supported Tito before, please know that your support helped carry him through one of the hardest times of his life. We are forever grateful.
Today, we are asking for help again.
Whether you can donate, share, or keep Tito in your prayers, it truly means everything to us.
Tito is still here. He is still fighting and we are not giving up on him.
With love,
Tito and KC