Yahir and Family
Yahir is only 14 years old and an 8th grade student in the city of Montclair, CA. This GoFundMe page is organized by his school, community and all those other people this young family has touched by their kindness and strength. Yahir has always been a kind, quiet student in class, yet he has always been the kind of student that other students could turn to for help. His friendly demeanor made all his classmates feel comfortable and supported. Part of his calm, loving nature is due to being a big brother. Yahir has 3 younger siblings and is a model big brother. He’s protective, playful and always ready to teach his younger siblings things they may not yet know.
This past December Yahir was diagnosed with Stage 4 Mixed Germ Cell cancer. His mom and dad had noticed something wasn't quite right so they took him to the doctor. The doctors ran tests on Yahir, and the tests came back positive for cancer. They also found out how metastasized the cancer was - it had spread to his lungs, his arm, and his lower back. While the family is in the midst of a dreadful battle with cancer, it’s Yahir’s strength, resilience and loving nature that resonates most with those who know him. Yahir has an incredible work ethic that is undeterred by his diagnosis. Even during this difficult time, he is incredibly responsible with his homework and always concerned about keeping up with his studies, even while being on "home-hospital" studies.
Since the diagnosis in December, the doctors have operated on Yahir's lungs and he's received several rounds of chemotherapy. As we all know the medical bills for treating cancer can be outrageous as well as all the related sacrifices the family has made. Yahir’s mom is focused on being with Yahir at all times, at home and at Loma Linda, while his father has had to leave his job to help care for the families three younger kids. The financial burden has been overwhelming.
Even at his young age Yahir is strong and brave. While, his fight is not over, he is facing his biggest battle in the days and weeks ahead. His treatments haven’t detained the cancer but are taking a toll on his overall health and well-being. Yahir, his family, and all of us who know him have faith in his recovery. His classmates recently made him an album encouraging to stay strong and letting him know how much he's missed. His former and current school has repeatedly raised cash donations, gift cards and even an iPad in support of his family. It's just that the families needs are so great, that we need a little more help to support Yahir and his family.
On behalf of all of us who know this family, we ask for positive thoughts, sharing this page, or monetary support. Anything will and can help Yahir and his loving family.
(My name is Mauricio and I am the principal of the middle school where Yahir is currently enrolled. I've created this Go Fund Me page since the families needs are beyond what our staff alone can provide and I hope that by sharing their story the generosity of others can help them. The funds will be used by the family to meet a number of financial obligations that has become difficult to meet since dad had to quit his job to care of the younger siblings. I will be withdrawing the funds once a week on behalf of the family. They will be receiving 100% of the donations (minus the nominal fee deducted by gofundme).
