Bryan's Fight Against Testicular Cancer

Dear Reader, I’m Leslie Ibáñez and this fundraiser is to support who I refer to as my sweet baby brother. Bryan Ibáñez is the goofball of our family and has always been a positive light for himself and others. His loving soul and genuine spirit is one my entire family cherishes.

Bryan spent his high school years working at a local nursing home as a dedicated CNA. This time spent giving to others in a healthcare atmosphere sparked his interest and desire to become a nurse. In 2020, after graduating high school, Bryan enrolled in Missouri State University to pursue his nursing degree. Shortly after starting his college career, Bryan begun experiencing discomfort in everyday tasks. Having a busy and active lifestyle of a college freshman, Bryan thought he could work through his pain and assumed it was nothing serious.

Unfortunately, Bryans pain did not cease and escalated to a point where he finally chose to visit a doctor. Upon discovery of a tumor, Bryan was diagnosed with Stage II Testicular Cancer on September 2nd, 2022 at only 20 years old. With a Stage II Diagnosis, Bryans tumor had been manifesting for what doctors predicated well over a year. In attempt to avoid metastasis, immediate surgery called a radical orchiectomy was required and conducted shortly after diagnosis. Following surgery and testing, Lymphovascular Invasion ( LVI ) was still present in his body. Although removal surgery was completed, Bryan’s cancer cells were still present in his tests leaving his body susceptible to a potential reoccurrence. However, with a treatment plan set into place Bryan & his doctors were left confident for an encouraging recovery even with the LVI still apparent in his blood stream.

Bryan's initial surgery was not fully covered by insurance, and he was forced to pay over 8k in medical bills out of pocket. As a college student living on server's wages, paying his own bills and supporting himself, he was forced to abandon school to make ends meet. Bryan is still trying to pay off those bills to this day. 

Following his strict treatment plan, Bryan visited the doctor as needed and within the parameters of his abilities. Blood tests over the next few months resulted in promising outcomes, but unfortunately his 1st biannual CT scan did not reflect such positivity.  

On May 1st, 2023, CT Scan results concluded that Bryan's cancer had metastasized. Alarmingly—not one, but two tumors had developed; this time in his lungs. His doctors recommended immediate chemotherapy treatment. Bryan's chemotherapy treatment has been estimated to cost well over 100k from now to completion. Once again, Bryan's insurance will not be able to cover the costs of treatment and he will be unable to work during the timeframe of his chemotherapy. 

Any and all proceeds raised through this GoFundMe will go directly to assisting Bryan with the medical bills associated with his treatment & medicines. Remaining funds will be used to help Bryan with everyday needs for his housing, transportation, and daily living expenses. If any funds remain left over after his four rounds of Chemotherapy and potential surgery, Bryan has requested, they be donated directly to The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation that works to research the understanding, causes and treatment of Testicular Cancer. Cancer has riddled our society with fear and heartbreak in so many ways and I want to take the fear of making ends meet away from my brother. Our family hopes and prays that Bryan's treatment will allow us the gift of his life for many more years to come. We hope that not only can we raise funds for his treatment but to spread awareness at the same time. Thank you for taking the time to read his story. Every donation, share, or prayer is greatly appreciated.