Support Alvin's Battle Against Cancer

After a benign tumor was found in Alvin’s bladder in late March of 2024, a doctor recommended he get a PET scan to rule out any other masses in the body. The results of the PET scan showed there is a tumor in Alvin’s chest, spanning from the clavicle (collar bone) to his right lung. It was then decided to biopsy this new found tumor.

On September 26, 2024, Alvin was diagnosed with a rare malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The size of the tumor has made it difficult for him to breathe, speak, sleep, causes severe pain and numbness in his right shoulder/arm, and is pushing up against his larynx and heart.

After many MRIs, CTs, lung function and SPECT tests, the list goes on, it was decided by the medical team to start by removing the tumor then to follow his treatment with proton therapy after a few weeks of rehab and healing from surgery. With the location and size of the tumor it will take a full team of surgeons from oncology, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, anesthesia, and otolaryngology (ENT) on stand by. The surgery is estimated to take 10-12 hours and at least 5-7 days of recovery at the hospital and is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

For those of you who don’t know, Alvin is already a childhood cancer survivor. At the young age of 3 years old, he was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (JCML). He went through chemotherapy, radiation and a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from his older brother, Omar (who he calls Kuya), who was a perfect match.

With his history of radiation exposure from his previous cancer diagnosis, it has been recommended by his oncologist that Alvin receive proton therapy which is a type of radiation that can deliver a more precise radiation to specific areas of the tumor in hopes to decrease the need for a more generalized delivery of radiation. Unfortunately with this newer technology, insurance is unable to cover the full costs of treatment if covered at all and proton therapy alone could cost upwards of $200,000.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Alvin dedicated his professional career at Seattle Children’s Hospital in cancer research. After 11 years of hard work, he eventually was promoted as a clinical research supervisor for the cancer and blood disorders center.

Even with this difficult diagnosis, Alvin’s spirits remain high. He spends quality time with his family and especially enjoys any time spent with his only nephew/godson. He also tries to stay the party guy that he is, as much as his energy levels allow, and always makes an effort to never miss a friend’s birthday party or get-together.

We are hoping this GoFundMe will help alleviate some of the financial stress that Alvin is experiencing as he has to take time away from work to receive his treatment. The money here will help go towards his surgery, recovery, and his proton therapy. For those of you who are unable to show your support financially we hope you can give your prayers for healing and strength for Alvin and blessings to his medical team. Even a reshare or reposting of the link would be so appreciated. We know this is going to be a long road ahead, but we are confident in his medical team and are hopeful for a full recovery.

Thank you & God Bless