In Memoriam

7/16/2023

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Steven. He was blessed to receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, Last Rites, and the Apostolic pardon. He was able to see his nephews for the last time. 

At 12:04 he passed away into eternity surrounded by his loved ones, peacefully and  comfortably.  

This GoFundMe is being created at the to support his family during this trying time. Funds will go towards Steven’s funeral costs. Thank you for your generosity. 

P.S. For those who have donated at this link before, it is separate from what we were raising for Steven’s cancer care, that’s why it looks like we are halfway at our goal. For the sake of convenience, we just used the same link and increased the limit to raise what we need for his funeral costs. 

We all know and love Steven Carabuena as that witty kid that can make seemingly anything funny. Or as the kid who works extra hard at his job to prove his worth. Or that brother/son/ cousin that’s always there to help out whenever you need him. Or the uncle that’s so weirdly afraid to hold his niece/nephew.

On November 11, 2022, Steve was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma. Steve’s case is especially rare because he’s only 31 years old and has no comorbidities.

He was diagnosed 2 weeks after he developed 6th nerve palsy and the MRI showed a mass in the pituitary area. His first symptoms were cross-eye/ lazy eye and headaches. After symptoms worsened (light and sound sensitivity and extreme nausea), he was admitted and more masses were found in the adrenal glands. The biopsy confirmed everyone’s fears of cancer.

Primary CNS lymphoma is a cancer that has no staging and considered very fast growing. Because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, Steve has already undergone the first of 5 rounds of chemotherapy at Augusta University Hospital. He is being treated by an excellent oncology team led by Dr. Ayushi Chauhan. The prognosis is uncertain because of the rarity of the disease but the team is optimistic and hopes that after 4 months of treatment, Steve will be able to lead a normal life and put this behind him.

In the meantime, Steve is unable to continue working at Augusta airport as an airside operations agent. Steven has to undergo physical therapy to help keep his strength up in between chemotherapy treatments. Family from both in-state and out of state are generously making plans to come and stay to help Steven with his daily living needs and help cover his financial needs while he is out of work. Some of Steven’s biggest struggles right now are dealing with the loss of appetite, nausea and depression.

This GoFundMe is being created at the urging of Steven’s many friends and family that want to support him during this trying time. Funds will go towards Steven’s medical fees, rent and food. This page will also be used to keep friends and family updated with his treatments and his condition.

Most importantly, we ask everyone to pray for his recovery!

Thank you for your generosity and your prayers!

Private donations may also be made through Venmo @steven-carabuena