An avid runner and swimmer, Rafel's diagnosis came in the midst of his training for the Iron Man triathlon. After his first brian surgery,  he went on to run the Marine Corps marathon to raise money for the GW Cancer Institute. We joked he was making us all look bad, but he was a true Iron Man.

Though the initial surgery went well, glioblastoma multiforme is extremely aggressive and the cancer eventually returned.  

Rafel Lucea past away July 26, 2015 leaving behind his incredible, strong and beautiful wife Marguerite Baty Lucea and their two sweet boys Marc and Lars. Rafel loved his family, adored his wife and children, and found great satisfaction and joy in teaching students at GW. He was an athlete, teacher and scholar who worked to make the world a better place. He was so very kind, made us laugh, was beloved by students and friends alike, and was truly a joy to be around.

Please consider making a donation to this incredible family to help create a college fund for Marc and Lars.

 

 

Additional support (meals, babysitting, other non-monetary support) is being organized through: 

https://abta.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/700738/ 

This site was set up by a family friend (Jess Kadar) and we set up all donations to be deposited directly to a bank account managed by Marguerite.