Jose Acevedo Kidney Cancer Fund

I’m Brenda Acevedo and I’m writing requesting prayers and help for my brother, Jose Acevedo.


Jose’s journey with kidney cancer began 8 years ago.  He had always been healthy and fitness was part of his routine.  When, he could no longer finish his regular workout, he knew something was wrong.  However, his cancer would go undiagnosed for over a year.  He experienced gradual weight loss and a constant cough .  In the fall of 2009, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer only weeks before his wedding date.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched him dance with his new bride, Diana. He was thinner than I had ever seen him, but oh how handsome he looked!   Jose loves dancing and we all shared a special dance with him that night.  I bought him a plaque that read, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass . . . It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Surgery was scheduled after Christmas.  It was only after surgery that it was discovered that he had a 6 pound tumor in his kidney.  That was shocking; that was exactly the birth weight of my daughter!  Apparently, his abdominal muscles were so well toned that they acted as a girdle and kept the tumor from protruding. 
Jose was able to bounce right back.  We celebrated his 50th Birthday  and he was back at work within weeks.  His checkups went well and he felt fine.
In early 2013, he discovered a small lump in his cheek.  After a biopsy, it was discovered to be parotid glad metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. Somehow, his kidney cancer had traveled to his cheek!  It is considered a rare condition and surgical removal and all the accompanying complications was the only option at the time.

Jose decided to not pursue surgical options.  




It has been over 3.5 years and it has truly been a privilege to witness how my brother has worked with his body to find healing.  He has focused on faith and nutrition.  He lives each day with passion, purpose and profound joy!  It is difficult to describe his courage and fortitude.




He is truly loving and giving.  He routinely helps our 80 year-old parents with maintenance issues in their house, counsels them on doctor visits, and just stops by to talk.  When I had my own health issues last year and I felt so confused and exhausted navigating what is the maze of our American health system, he counseled me on what steps to take, what to ask the doctor and what tests I should request.  He was my rock!  He then coached me on nutrition and exercise and followed up with encouraging words to make sure I stayed on track.  After about 6 months of lifestyle changes, my lab work was nearly normal.  I’m looking forward to this year’s annual check-up.



Jose has really been a wonderful presence throughout my life.  It is the little things he does that shows he cares.  He not only takes flowers to our mom on mother’s day, but brings me some, too!  When he was going to spend Thanksgiving with his wife’s extended family he made sure he brought one of his delicious pumpkin cheesecakes to my house so we wouldn’t go without one that year.  He never ends a phone call without saying, “I love you.”  And a personal visit never ends without a warm embrace.

Jose has been a constant presence at every family celebration- many times calling everyone to start the party! 
Super Bowls, birthdays, graduations, band concerts, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.  If you invite him, he will come!  He was able to see his son, Adam, graduate from Technical School and get a degree in HVAC. 
I’m sure he’s looking forward to walking his daughter, Gabrielle, down the aisle one day. 
It is painful for me to see his disfigured face, but comforting to know that his heart is so pure and perfect.  He never complains, never mentions having a bad day.   He wishes the tumor was somewhere else, where it could be covered up, just so people wouldn’t feel uncomfortable around him.  But that does not bother him, he goes on.

Words can’t describe Jose’s fortitude, discipline, and determination.  Throughout all this, he has never asked, “Why me?”  He is steadfast in faith.  He radiates a profound joy rarely seen in this earth.  He abides in our Father’s love and is truly a witness to what it means to surrender your life to God.  He lives each day to the fullest and is truly present to the people that he’s with.  If you’ve ever heard the term “the sacredness of the present moment,” Jose embodies and lives it.

Jose has never asked for anything, but when my husband and I were able to give him some money several years ago, he didn’t want to take the check.  I persisted and, choking on his words, he thanked me and accepted it.  That money gave him the opportunity to quit his job and focus on his healing.  I honestly couldn’t believe that he was still working.  He told me he was going to use the money wisely.  My heart broke- I had wanted that for once in his life he would spend money foolishly.  I don’t know- a trip was what I had in mind.








I’m asking for your prayers and your help.  Whatever donation you can make would be deeply  appreciated by Jose and all those he has touched by his beautiful life.