Last wishes can come true..

My name is Jessica Pacheco, and this is for my dad, Russell Pacheco, who is my best friend and my hero. He has been fighting esophageal cancer since last year and he needs your help.

It all started last Thanksgiving when he couldn’t eat with us. He tried to eat, but then discreetly snuck away to vomit. He was embarrassed and hated to be asked if he was okay. He said he had been feeling unwell for a month and had an appointment in December. That’s when we learned he had a 4cm tumor in his esophagus. It was devastating news.

He began his treatments in January 2023. He was supposed to have 5 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, but he couldn’t handle it. The radiation burned his throat so much that he couldn’t even swallow his saliva. He lost 50lbs and became too weak for surgery. He had a stent put in his esophagus to help him eat again, but it didn’t make much difference. He had two more rounds of chemotherapy and several hospital stays. He now weighs 130lbs and has no hope of recovery. He is tired of being in excruciating pain all of the time. He has expressed his desire to stop fighting and allow hospice to step in and make him comfortable in his final days.

Due to all of the traveling to Stanford in Palo Alto for his treatments he spent all of his savings, maxed out all of his credit cards, and owes 4000 in back rent. He has no money left. His biggest fear is not dying but leaving us, his family, with his final expenses. He doesn’t want to burden us with his debts. He wants to have a decent burial and a sunset funeral. He wants us to shed a tear for him when the sun goes down, but to move forward with our lives when the sun comes up.

My dad is a good man who has always worked hard and helped others. He may seem tough and grumpy, but he has a big heart and a great sense of humor. He deserves some peace and dignity in his final days. That’s why I’m asking you to donate what you can and help me pay off his debts and prepare for funeral expenses.

Please help me make his last wish come true. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.