In March 2018, Ruben experienced a seizure that started a life changing journey for he and his family. An MRI scan revealed a brain tumor. After the removal of a lemon-sized growth on the right side of his brain, the doctor’s confirmed it was cancer. Following surgery, the left side of Ruben’s body was paralyzed. He began radiation and chemotherapy, along with physical therapy to learn how to walk again. After coming home in a wheelchair, he was determined to walk again. With the support of his family and doctor’s he progressed to a walker and then a cane, eventually walking on his own.

 However, a follow-up appointment later in 2018 revealed that the tumor was growing back, and a second surgery was needed. The surgery went well, and Ruben came out of it ready to stand strong and battle through further treatments.

Yet, in 2019 tests revealed the growth had returned. Not able to go through another surgery, the doctors did all they could do, numerous treatments and tests. Ruben and his family continue to fight through 2020 but the last few months have been extremely difficult. With Ruben declining faster and on hospice care, his wife April cannot leave his side. He requires constant care and April has stopped working to be with him. April and the boys, Ruben and Steven, are doing all they can together to be strong and to care for Ruben. However, his recent decline requires more help than they can provide. They plan to hire a private duty nurse to assist on the days when the hospice aide is not there.

Along with making this time comfortable for Ruben, allowing the nurses to care for him would relieve some stress from April, as she holds and comforts her best friend through these days, and from the boys, Steven and Ruben, as they comfort their loving and strong father.

The family appreciates anything that anyone can donate to this care. Thoughts and prayers are always enough too. Thank you everyone for being there through this difficult journey.