Strong as a Bull

Like many of us, there's always that one person who has been a hope giver, cheering us on, believing in us, and giving us wisdom in life. For our family, that's Roberto Vinas, my dear father-in-law. In December 2021, Roberto was diagnosed with Metastatic Cancer, also known as Stage 4 cancer. It was heartbreaking for our family, but for Roberto, he courageously said "Lord, I want to continue serving you, and I surrender it all to your mercy and grace".

It was 2 months before Christmas when my father-in-law started to become frail. At the age of 77 he had experienced much hardship, yet never fail to find joy in sharing love and giving a helping hand to people he has met.

The week before Christmas, he woke up not being able to move or feel his legs and was rushed to the emergency department. After extensive diagnostic procedures, it was later identified that a tumor in his spine was blocking the nerve pathway to his legs. It was a critical situation that required emergency spinal surgery to remove the tumor and relieve the compression on his spine. It was then discovered that the tumor originated from his prostate which has spread to his spine. Even after the surgery, his body needs continuous radiation therapy, physical therapy, and many medical treatments. He will also require additional medical equipment to ensure his safety as his mobility is severely affected and he can't provide for his self-care needs.

Though all of these are very stressful and hard on his elderly body, he refuses to give up and wants to continue to fight and survive. His mission in life is not yet over, he wants to continue to pass down all his life learning and wisdom gained through the years, to serve, plant seeds of hope, and hopefully witness the fruits of the good he has started.

We invite everyone to please support Roberto in his wishes to continue living and fulfill his good plans, and may our generous hearts reward this good man to receive help in his time of need.