Humbly asking for your help...

This is Ricardo Garza’s story. Ricardo was raised by his grandmother to be a hard working, respectful, and religious man. At 17 he met his future wife, while in high school, got married

and moved to Pennsylvania to begin a career. Shortly after arriving in Pennsylvania Ricardo became ill and as the illness got worse, went to the hospital. Not long after being admitted to

the hospital Ricardo’s doctor gave him the worst news of his young life – he had cancer.

After discussions among many family members, it was decided that Ricardo should return home to Southwest Florida where Ricardo was transferred to Golisano Children’s Hospital and given the diagnosis no one wants to hear – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After tears subsided, Ricardo and his wife decided it best for her to take a leave from work to care for and support

Ricardo. The cancer was affecting Ricardo’s liver and he began to turn yellow, even his eyes were yellow. His chances of survival were listed as low at 10%. Efforts were made to transfer to

another hospital but due to Covid pandemic it was determined to be impossible.

After trying numerous treatments Ricardo began to show signs of recovery but then began developing numerous secondary infections including cysts and fungal infections and was in

great pain. After Over time, Ricardo battled through the pain and infections and began to show signs of getting back to a normal life. Ricardo landed a good job and began trying to rebuild his

life. But just 2 months after he thought he had beaten the greatest challenge in his young life, Ricardo got the news that the cancer had returned. With Covid thankfully largely past, Ricardo

has been able to secure hospital treatment in Miami and is awaiting word that they have space for him there. Ricardo has been once again forced to quit his job to fight his battle with cancer, a battle he has been fighting for 4 years now. His treatment will last 4 weeks or more and will require obtaining housing and other expenses to house family members in Miami while they rally around Ricardo and support him in his fight.

Your prayers for Ricardo and his family are appreciated as are any gracious donations to help Ricardo and his family with medical expenses, lost wages, temporary housing expenses and travel

expenses between Immokalee, where the family calls home, and Miami during this challenging time.

Thank you.