Fundraiser started to support Manny Madeza and his family during his fight with stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Oregon City, Oregon, April 2015 – On March 20th, 2015, 60 year old Manuel “Manny” Madeza was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He had been unwell for several months and had lost around 70 lbs before the diagnosis was made. Unfortunately, the cancer is inoperable and has spread to his liver, stomach, and gallbladder.
Manny is a Vietnam War veteran, the father of three grown children, and has two young granddaughters. He and his wife, Cindy, have recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. In addition to the obvious emotional toll, Manny’s diagnosis is financially devastating for his family. He provided the majority of the household income and has no life insurance and no paid sick leave. Manny and Cindy had already been caregivers for their adult son, who has special needs, so his illness is catastrophic for the family. Manny’s eldest daughter will be postponing finishing her teaching degree in order to give financial support, but it will not be enough.
A GoFundMe account at www.gofundme.com has been started to help pay for the rest of the family’s living and medical expenses. Since the fundraiser started on March 29th, they have raised over $600. To learn more about this story, please contact Anna Madeza Gurleyen, at (415) 786-8143.
