The fight is on Leo Zapien against Ewing Sarcoma

The Zapien’s are precious friends and loved ones to so many. Yes! The fight is “Still” on! Leo has been fighting Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, since he was 10 years old. He is now 15. Leo is a young man of few words, but his heart is as big as Texas! We would like to be able to say that he is a “typical” teenager, but sadly, there has been nothing “typical” about his life these past 5 years.

Leo was diagnosed the first time in June of 2015. What started out as just a leg ache, like so many children experience with growing, turned out to be every parent’s worst nightmare! Javier and Elsa are hardworking, loving and totally devoted parents! The word “CANCER” was not something they thought they would ever hear in relation to their only child, but it happened! Not once but three times! 

After Leo’s first diagnoses, he went through a regimented chemo treatment for approximately 9 months and then was faced with surgery to remove the bone that was affected by the cancer. They replaced his upper left femur, from the pelvis to above the knee, with a rod. With extensive rehabilitation of basically learning to walk again, Leo was doing great! Even though he had some limitations, he was a happy boy again, able to attend school since he missed his entire 5th grade year with his friends. The result of the treatment was the best ever! The cancer was gone and his semi/annual screenings showing him cancer free for 3 years. WooHoo! All was right with the world! 

Then that day came once again. In April 2019, the doctors saw it, the cancer was back. How could this be?? Why was this happening?  The right femur showed inflammation in the bone which turned out to be caused by cancer. Once again, Leo goes through a different type of chemotherapy plus they added radiation as well. He is not able to attend his freshman year of high school. The struggle is harder this time around. But once again the treatments show good results. 

He was close to completing this second round of treatment when the doctors saw yet another tumor had developed in the same bone but higher up. At this point, you feel like you’re losing! Is there any fight left in me you ask? Oh yes there is! After completing the chemo treatment and with more screenings and another biopsy, the doctors decided to begin more radiation treatments in February 2020 and they continue now. 

This 5 year journey has taken its toll on Javier, Elsa and Leo. We do not know if there will be more treatments or surgeries in Leo’s future. The prayers and their deep faith have helped to carry them through, but the burdens are real! We have started this Go Fund Me account to ease that burden. 

Add the astronomical medical costs  and all that comes with them such as traveling to and from appointments, parking and lost time at work, to the normal cost of everyday living, and the financial burden becomes overwhelming. This Go Fund Me account will enable Leo’s parents to be able to concentrate on his getting well and fighting this horrible disease called cancer. 

From the bottom of our hearts we humbly ask that you share this link with friends and family. If you find it in your heart to make a monetary donation towards their medical debt, any amount will be greatly appreciated. 

Please continue to pray for Leo, Javier and Elsa Zapien. We thank you for your support and God bless each  and every one of you!

Friends of the family