A Spoonful

October 24, 2020

Dad's journey began after experiencing ongoing stomach issues for several months. A colonoscopy led to the discovery of colorectal cancer, followed by additional testing to determine the full extent of the disease. On October 24, 2020, our family received the devastating diagnosis: Stage IV colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver and gallbladder.

At just 38 years old, Dad was the last person anyone would expect to receive this diagnosis. He lived a healthy lifestyle as a vegetarian, athlete, non-smoker, and non-drinker, with no family history of colorectal cancer.

Over the following months, Dad endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy, often lasting a week at a time. Treatments would begin in the hospital and continue at home. Between rounds of chemotherapy, he underwent multiple surgeries, some lasting as long as 12 to 15 hours, followed by weeks of recovery in the hospital.

Despite everything he faced, Dad never complained. He remained incredibly positive and never let us see how scared or uncomfortable he may have been. His medical team was exceptional, and the doctors worked together every step of the way to guide him through treatment. Following chemotherapy, radiation, countless scans, lab work, procedures, and surgeries, our family finally received the news we had been hoping for.

On June 24, 2021, Dad was declared cancer-free.

June 24, 2021

Receiving the cancer-free diagnosis felt like we could finally take a deep breath.

One of the biggest misconceptions about cancer is that once treatment ends, life immediately returns to normal. For many survivors, the battle simply changes. Recovery can be long and complicated, and new health challenges often emerge as the body works to heal.

Unfortunately, Dad experienced several setbacks throughout his recovery. The years that followed became a rollercoaster of infections, tests, scans, procedures, and additional surgeries.

2022–2023

Life was slowly beginning to feel normal again when a series of severe medical complications changed everything. The reality of a new battle—one that would prove even more difficult than cancer itself—began to set in.

Over this period, Dad underwent 18 additional surgical procedures and spent more than 36 days in the hospital.

Looking back, we wish we could reclaim some of those missed moments together.

Throughout it all, Mom went above and beyond to keep our lives as normal as possible. School, dance, work, and friends helped provide a sense of routine and distraction from what was happening behind the scenes. Through every challenge, Dad remained optimistic, even during the most difficult and frightening moments.

January 2024

As a new year began, more obstacles were thrown Dad's way. We entered the year hopeful that upcoming procedures, scans, and surgeries would move him one step closer to normalcy.

His positive attitude continues to inspire us every day. Even now, he rarely complains and faces every challenge with courage and grace. Dad is our true superhero and has shown us bravery beyond words.

April 2024

Dad spent another 15 days in the hospital undergoing two additional surgeries to address ongoing medical complications.

May 2024

Back at home, Dad focused on resting, healing, and regaining his strength. His doctors remained optimistic, and his care team continued to provide extraordinary support and compassion throughout the process.

One of the most special moments of the year came when Dad attended one of our dance performances in person for the first time in nearly two years. Previously, he had only been able to watch through livestreams. At that performance, we received our 10-year trophies, and our dance director surprised us by announcing the creation of our foundation to the community.

It was a moment our family will never forget.

September 2024

Due to additional complications, Dad began a series of weekly surgical procedures as doctors continued working toward his recovery.

Although progress has been slow, we remain hopeful. As another school year begins, we continue planning events, developing new partnerships, organizing fundraisers, supporting Dad, and paying it forward to other families facing cancer.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

November 2024

Doctors developed a new treatment plan involving several procedures beginning in December 2024 in an effort to heal and repair ongoing complications.

Dad remains in great spirits and continues to trust his surgical team as they pursue new approaches to help him recover.

At the same time, our giving campaign resumed with exciting new partnerships and opportunities to support families affected by cancer.

February 2025

While doctors were encouraged by aspects of Dad's healing process, additional scans revealed that recovery was not progressing as expected. As a result, the surgical team determined that at least two to three additional surgeries would likely be necessary.

Even with this news, Dad continues to greet each day with a smile and remains focused on finding moments of normalcy whenever possible.

March 2025

Dad was unexpectedly readmitted to the hospital after developing sepsis and becoming critically ill.

Thankfully, Mom acted quickly and got him the medical attention he needed in time. We are incredibly grateful for the doctors and nurses who cared for him during this frightening setback.

May 2025

Dad began Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which he would undergo throughout the summer in hopes of promoting healing. Doctors explained that years of radiation-related damage had significantly impacted his body's ability to heal following surgery.

This treatment represented one final attempt to repair the damage and restore healing from within.

August 2025

After completing daily Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments throughout the summer, Dad underwent additional scans and exploratory procedures.

Unfortunately, doctors discovered a persistent cavity, fluid buildup, extensive scar tissue, and insufficient healthy tissue to reconnect the colon.

As a result, Dad began preparing for a major proctectomy and ileostomy surgery.

Although the procedure and recovery would be extensive, doctors were hopeful that it would ultimately provide him with a much better quality of life.

We are incredibly grateful to the medical team at Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, for their unwavering dedication and commitment to helping Dad continue his fight.

October 2025

Dad successfully made it through another 12-hour surgery.

His surgical team was pleased with the initial results, and he remained in the hospital for several weeks as recovery began.

The road ahead would be long, but for the first time in years, there was renewed hope that family dinners, vacations, holidays, and everyday moments together might soon become possible again.

As always, Dad remained positive, optimistic, and focused on the future.

January 2026

Dad continues to heal and has recently begun stem cell therapy treatments to support his recovery journey.

As a new year begins for our family and for Strength In Sundaes, we remain committed to helping others facing similar challenges. We are preparing for another exciting year of events, partnerships, and community outreach.

Our goal for 2026 is to donate an additional 500 chemotherapy bags to local hospitals and cancer organizations throughout South Florida.

Dad's strength, resilience, and unwavering optimism continue to inspire everything we do. His journey is the reason Strength In Sundaes exists, and we are honored to continue paying it forward to other families navigating their own cancer battles.

We continue to have strength in sundaes, savoring life's moments as they come.

 

 

Ringing the bell after completing Chemotherapy at Cleveland Clinic