In Memory of Lee Hurtado

UPDATE 3/13/2018

“We are all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.” - The Eleventh Doctor

Lee Hurtado certainly had a good story, and each and every one of us has been blessed to be a featured character in the story of his life.

At 3:26 am on 3/5/2018, our dear son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, writer and Whovian was called to be with the Lord. He was surrounded by his beloved family at home and is now at complete and total peace. A private service will be held for family. A public celebration of life will be held at Morgan’s Wonderland on March 25 from 4-7 pm.  

We invite his friends, family and fans to comment below with photos, memories and anecdotes of the wonderful memories you shared with Lee. Whatever connection you had with him, we were all blessed to be a part of his story.

While we will miss the man who was easily the most loyal, decent and kind human being on this earth, we know that this is not a forever goodbye.

As Lee would say - “Be seeing you.”

#hurtadostrong #madfanwithabox #stillherestillLee

Memorial Service
Saturday, March 17th
6 PM
Porter Loring Chapel
1101 McCullough Ave
San Antonio, TX 78212

Celebration of Life
Sunday, March 25th
4-7 PM
Morgan’s Wonderland
5223 David Edwards Drive
San Antonio, TX 78233

(Originally posted August 2017)

After a summer of medical struggles, including vertigo, dizziness, extreme nausea,  and other issues culminating in a complete inability to eat, Lee Hurtado, our son, brother, and friend to so very many (and the most enthusiastic Whovian you can possibly imagine!) has been diagnosed with Stage IV Colon cancer.  

Lee's oncologist tells us that Lee's cancer is not curable, but it is treatable and that certain treatments will improve Lee's quality of life.  Lee hasn't been able to eat in a few weeks, and hasn't kept food down for long in months.  His cancer has caused him extreme discomfort, and after surgery yesterday, some pain as well.  

Everyone who knows and loves Lee is ready to help in this fight.  If you know him, you know that you cannot imagine a kinder, gentler, sweeter man.  He is a precious gem and we all want to bask in his goodness for a long time to come.  As a friend recently said, "Even without knowing him well, you can just tell he's one of the good guys."  Lee would and does go out of his way to help any of his friends in times of need.

Lee's oncologist team spoke with Lee's parents today, and there are already needed tests and treatments that will not be paid for by insurance.  Lee is also unable to work at this time, and it is unknown if and when he will be able to return to work.   Today he had a test that will not be covered by insurance and will cost $3000.  It is amazing how quickly these things are adding up.  

A little more about Lee, because Lee is not defined by cancer. Lee is a writer, Whovian, film fan and buff, Food Network junkie (not being able to eat has not deterred him from watching hours of Food Network!) theater artist/community member, and community supporter of organizations such as Morgan's Wonderland. Lee likes sour cream donuts and root beer, and he is the best Christmas gift-giver ever. He has an enormous heart of gold.

All collected funds will go directly to cover Lee's medical and living expenses. He's not going down without a fight, but he needs your help.

Today he proved his spirit and will are strong when he quoted his beloved First Doctor (from Doctor Who, the kind of Doctor he greatly prefers:)  "One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine."

We will post regular updates with details on Lee's treatment and progress.  Thank you for your consideration.  

***Funds will be accessed only by Jo-Ann Hurtado, Lee's mom, on Lee's behalf while he is in the hospital.***