In support of James Santos and his family

On Oct 22, 2022, James Santos received a devastating diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Over the next couple of weeks, James underwent many tests that showed his cancer had already aggressively metastasized to his hips, ribs, and spine. Therefore James could no longer proceed with any curative treatments, and instead, he was to start palliative chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, on Christmas Eve, James increasingly became unwell with a nosebleed that would not stop. He was admitted to the hospital on Christmas day and discovered that his cancer was further complicated by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) - a rare and severe blood clotting condition.

As James is still young (47), the oncologist has offered genetic testing as the only remaining option to find out what type of rare cancer he has. By doing so, they hope to find a specific course of treatment to help prolong his time, as he has sadly been given a poor prognosis. James is a very loving and devoted husband and father. For those that know him, James is a man of few words. He is a friendly giant with the most gentle and kindest heart and is loved by so many, especially by his two young boys, Jayden and Ronin. He is also so passionate about photography, music, and DJing. He is known to many as DJ Grasshopper.

As you can imagine, the rapid progression of his cancer has all unfolded very quickly. It has been difficult for everyone, especially for their children, who are coping with the uncertainty of their father. James has not been able to leave the hospital as he requires life-sustaining blood and platelet transfusions almost daily. Melissa has been at James' side day and night, providing him with loving care. Melissa's strong faith in God gives them daily comfort and strength as James continues to fight in the midst of this trial.

James and Melissa have only asked for everyone's healing prayers. Out of love, we (Melissa's cousins) would like to go forward and organize this GoFundme to help support James and his family during this challenging time. We kindly ask for your continued healing prayers and are reaching out for any financial contributions to help this loving young family. The funds raised will help with the cost of the genetic testing in the US that the family would like to pursue. It will also help ease any financial obligations since they are both unable to work and so they can focus on their inestimable time together. Another meaningful way to support James is to consider donating blood to your local blood bank. We are so grateful that he has been able to receive the daily transfusions to aid in his comfort care.

We express our heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to read this and for your ongoing love, support, and healing prayers for James and his family. A special thank you to those that have already made generous contributions. God Bless.