Alex Nunez & Family Cancer Fundraiser
Donation protected
NOTE: Rebekah will be updating regularly, but I (Alex) wanted to write the initial story.
I was diagnosed in January 18, 2012 with synovial sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma is an incredibly rare cancer, occurring in only 1-3 people per million in the U.S.
The cancer first appeared in my right wrist. Initial treatment was chemo, radiation, and surgery to remove the mass. Sadly, the cancer metastasized to my lungs in Fall 2013. Since then, I have had additional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and multiple lung surgeries that for a long time enabled me to maintain same an excellent quality of life, energy level, and ability to work. I married Rebekah when treatment finished in late 2012; we have two children ages 5 and 3.
In July 2020, new nerve pain in my right arm was revealed to be caused by growth of a previously radiated tumor located in the left apical lung region. Though most of that tumor was killed by proton therapy, some of the tumor was not destroyed and grew towards my thoracic spine, preventing the flow of spinal fluid to the lower body.
Hospitalization for this thoracic tumor on April 2nd left me unable to walk without aid, with surgery on the tumor not an option. A second opinion at MD Anderson two weeks ago confirmed the only remaining medical intervention is maintenance chemotherapy to slow down the cancer. I tried an immunotherapy based clinical trial in March which did not work; other immunotherapies require a certain blood marker that I do not have.
The purpose of this fundraiser is to cover lost income due to the transition from full salaried employment to disability income, to cover funeral/burial expenses, travel and meals for Atlanta for chemo, any medical interventions insurance will not cover, and unexpected expenses. We are already experiencing the lost income part starting this month. Anything you choose to give us will be stewarded well with my family's short and long term needs in mind.
As of today (May 11, 2021), I am on my first cycle of a chemo called Trabectedin with the hopes of stalling tumor growth in my lungs. I still use a walker for most mobility activities, though radiation on the spine tumor and physical therapy is helping me regain coordination and balance.
As devastating as my recent decline has been, Rebekah and I are not hopeless. Death is the end all people face, and as Christians she and I are equipped to face . The Lord Jesus Christ rose from his grave after offering himself up on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead to give us himself forever after he returns to judge the world in righteousness. Indeed, Scripture says "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). I will stay in the ring to battle it out with this cancer as long as my body can handle the chemo. But when the time comes to stop, I can confidently say that it will be well with my soul.
Grace and Peace,
Alex
I was diagnosed in January 18, 2012 with synovial sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma is an incredibly rare cancer, occurring in only 1-3 people per million in the U.S.
The cancer first appeared in my right wrist. Initial treatment was chemo, radiation, and surgery to remove the mass. Sadly, the cancer metastasized to my lungs in Fall 2013. Since then, I have had additional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and multiple lung surgeries that for a long time enabled me to maintain same an excellent quality of life, energy level, and ability to work. I married Rebekah when treatment finished in late 2012; we have two children ages 5 and 3.
In July 2020, new nerve pain in my right arm was revealed to be caused by growth of a previously radiated tumor located in the left apical lung region. Though most of that tumor was killed by proton therapy, some of the tumor was not destroyed and grew towards my thoracic spine, preventing the flow of spinal fluid to the lower body.
Hospitalization for this thoracic tumor on April 2nd left me unable to walk without aid, with surgery on the tumor not an option. A second opinion at MD Anderson two weeks ago confirmed the only remaining medical intervention is maintenance chemotherapy to slow down the cancer. I tried an immunotherapy based clinical trial in March which did not work; other immunotherapies require a certain blood marker that I do not have.
The purpose of this fundraiser is to cover lost income due to the transition from full salaried employment to disability income, to cover funeral/burial expenses, travel and meals for Atlanta for chemo, any medical interventions insurance will not cover, and unexpected expenses. We are already experiencing the lost income part starting this month. Anything you choose to give us will be stewarded well with my family's short and long term needs in mind.
As of today (May 11, 2021), I am on my first cycle of a chemo called Trabectedin with the hopes of stalling tumor growth in my lungs. I still use a walker for most mobility activities, though radiation on the spine tumor and physical therapy is helping me regain coordination and balance.
As devastating as my recent decline has been, Rebekah and I are not hopeless. Death is the end all people face, and as Christians she and I are equipped to face . The Lord Jesus Christ rose from his grave after offering himself up on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead to give us himself forever after he returns to judge the world in righteousness. Indeed, Scripture says "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). I will stay in the ring to battle it out with this cancer as long as my body can handle the chemo. But when the time comes to stop, I can confidently say that it will be well with my soul.
Grace and Peace,
Alex
Organizer and beneficiary
Rebekah Nunez
Organizer
Athens, GA
Alexander Nunez
Beneficiary