Santiago has always been a fervent advocate of screening medical tests. He encourages everyone, especially men, to leave fear and embarrassment aside and prioritize health. After all, it was his prostate screening test that first caught irregularities.

He had felt no symptoms, no discomfort – his irregular test results were a very big surprise. After visiting with his urologist at the DHR Health Urology Institute, Santiago was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Surgery was scheduled shortly after.

Radiation at the DHR Health Advanced Care Center is next: to kill any cancer cells that may be left behind after surgery.

Unable to work due to his diagnosis, Santiago required assistance to meet the cost of 37 rounds of radiation. Through the support of our patrons, the Renaissance Cancer Foundation has stepped in to cover the expenses.

“I am thankful for all the charitable people that donate to the Foundation,” says Santiago. He added, “May God bless everyone for giving us cancer patients hope that everything will be okay.”

Santiago wants to be a living testament of survivorship and faith unmoved. His grandchildren Iker and Liam look up to him and need him. He also wants his story to inspire men in his community to become informed about annual screenings, and seek medical attention early.

To help patients like Santiago, please consider MAKING A DONATION to the Renaissance Cancer Foundation. If you would like to organize a fundraiser, please CONTACT US.

Don’t forget to visit our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for upcoming opportunities to become involved in our mission to help underserved cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.