HealthMy name is Rosa and I am Cristian Navarro's grandmother. Today I find myself forced to ask for help because I no longer have the strength to keep facing this fight alone.
I never imagined that, at my age, I would have to ask for help to keep my grandson alive. But life put us in front of a test no family should have to live through.
Cristian was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in the rectum, a very aggressive type of cancer that requires constant treatment, medications, medical studies, and specialized care. The disease causes him severe pain, great physical wear, extreme weakness, and many difficulties moving. Today he needs to use diapers, depends on help for most of his daily activities, and also needs a wheelchair to be able to get around with a little more dignity and safety.
But Cristian's pain is not only physical.
A few years ago we lost my daughter, his mother, in a tragic traffic accident. It was a blow that shattered our whole family. Shortly after, when Cristian's father learned that his son had cancer, he decided to abandon him. He never came back. He never sent money, never asked how he was doing, never offered a single word of support.
As if that weren't enough, Cristian's girlfriend also left him when he needed her most.
Imagine the pain of a young man who has lost his mother, was abandoned by his father and by the person he loved, while fighting a cancer that puts his life at risk every day. Little by little he stopped smiling, and today he also faces deep depression caused by so much suffering, loneliness, and abandonment.
I am the one who takes care of Cristian.
But I am also an older woman.
My husband, Cristian's grandfather, is diabetic and also needs daily care. I spend 24 hours a day looking after both of them, administering medications, helping them with everything they need, and trying to keep them hopeful. Because of this situation I can no longer work, and our income is not enough to cover even the most basic needs of our home.
Every month we struggle to get money for medications, diapers, food, medical studies, transportation to hospitals, and everything Cristian needs to continue his treatment. Many times I have to choose which need to address first, and that is a decision that breaks my heart.
I write these words with tears in my eyes because my greatest fear is not being able to give my grandson the chance to keep fighting for his life.
If you can help us with any donation, no matter how small, you will be giving hope to a young man who has suffered more than anyone should have to bear. And if you cannot contribute financially, I ask you with all my heart to share our story.
May God bless everyone who takes a few minutes to read this message and reach out a hand to our family.
With all my gratitude,
Rosa, Cristian Navarro's grandmother
