Life Is Beautiful: Help Hector Cruz

"For 32 years, Hector Cruz has been making other people feel beautiful. Now it's time for us to return the favor as he fights for his life against neuroendocrine cancer. 

This isn't Hector's first fight. 10 years ago, the professional hairdresser was diagnosed with cancer. Through chemo and radiation, he beat it, but it was during that first fight Hector realized a huge need within the medical community -- and his ability to help. 

"Through my journey of chemo and radiation, I discoverd there was a need for hairdressers to volunteer through the Look Good, Feel Better program through the American Cancer Society," he explains.

Hector started styling wigs for cancer patients at Smilow Cancer Center, then began volunteering for the American Cancer Society, donating his services for free to help give dignity and comfort to cancer patients. He eventually co-founded his own nonprofit organization to  work one-on-one with cancer patients in their homes and in the hospital, providing not only hairdressing services but support and advice as a cancer survivor. 

One month ago, a total role reversal took place. Hector was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer. The survivor has become the patient once again... and the man who has helped so many others now finds himself needing our help.  

Hector's cancer has metastasized to his liver and his bones. He is currently being treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital's Smilow Cancer Center and is unable to work. Every day is a fight for survival, and Hector needs our help to make ends meet, as his bills continue to pile up while he's laid down in a hospital bed.

Please do what you can to help give some peace of mind to Hector so he can focus all his energies on healing, not stressing over his finances.  Any amount will help cover the costs of his rent and ongoing medical expenses. 

Life is beautiful, and even moreso with kind and giving souls like Hector helping others. Let's help him stay in the fight. Thank you so much for your support!"