On June 20th, 2024, I took my dad to urgent care because he had a visible lump on the side of his neck and was having trouble swallowing. Our world was turned upside down when they immediately had us go to the ER for screening for possible throat cancer. Dad was flown by helicopter to San Francisco where they biopsied the mass and confirmed it was cancer of the larynx. He had a tracheostomy to protect his airway and a peg tube inserted to give him nutrition while they determine what to do with the mass. My dad grew tired and as I could see his fight diminishing, we made an agreement. You beat cancer and I’ll find a way to get you to Hawaii to celebrate.

After a month of going back and forth, doctors determined it was best to not surgically remove the tumor and instead to treat with aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Dad under went 38 radiation sessions straight to the neck and 8 chemotherapy sessions. Each week of treatment he’d wear his Hawaii shirts. Reminding me we had made a deal.

After nearly a 7 month battle, a 2 month stay in the hospital, aggressive treatment and dozens of speech therapy sessions, Dad is officially in remission. On February 13th, my dad's trach was officially removed and he is on his way to recover his full mobility soon. Peg tube is still inserted due to some swallowing issues he is still experiencing from the radiation but we are hoping for a full recovery soon so he can enjoy Hawaii to the fullest. 

My dad worked for over two decades caring for Visalia's parks in the Central Valley as a Park Ranger and Grounds Keeper. He was the kind man who would help make sure you had space for your kids party. The man who made sure your parks looked amazing for your photo shoots and gatherings. The man who kept the courthouse landscaping looking amazing and would greet you with a huge smile. My dad has always been selfless and has never taken a formal vacation anywhere. Now as he determines what to do next with his life, I'd like him to experience the beauty of the world. Let's send him to Hawaii!