Rodriguez seeks support in fight against cancer
By Tere Siqueira
Isidro Rodriguez Lopez faces the biggest challenge of his life: a battle with cancer.
He’s requesting people to help him with his fight.
Originally from Papaloapan, Oaxaca, Mexico, Rodriguez came to the United States in 2001, following in his brother’s footsteps. He has worked as a barber for more than 40 years, offering his services from his home.
In December 2022, at age 61, Rodriguez was diagnosed with cancer. Although he also suffers from pre-diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure, nothing could’ve prepared him for the diagnosis.
When he was diagnosed, Rodriguez considered returning to Mexico, as he didn’t have health insurance or legal documents in the United States, he said. But his community and support network urged him to stay, assuring him he would find help.
He did.
Rodriguez has been assisted by his social worker, who has guided him through the complicated U.S. health care system and has been instrumental in arranging his treatment, despite the financial and legal barriers, he said. Still, his journey has been challenging, he acknowledged.
With no health insurance and no legal documentation needed to obtain financial assistance, Rodriguez has relied on his faith, the kindness of people, and the help of his social worker to navigate his diagnosis and treatment. To help cover treatment costs, he has raised money through various types of donations, including a GoFundMe page. Despite some donations, he still needs more support, he said.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed,” Rodriguez said. “Although the collection has been modest, … every penny counts. I can only work at 10 percent of my capacity, but I do what I can to feel useful.”
The cancer diagnosis and treatment have drastically changed Rodriguez’s life, he said. In addition to limited work hours, he can no longer enjoy his favorite Mexican food because of a restrictive diet imposed by his treatment, he said.
Despite his health conditions, Rodriguez maintains a positive attitude, thanking God, his family, friends and the generosity of strangers who have supported him during this difficult time, he said. He also remains grateful for his life in the United States.
Knowing what he has been through – and is going through – Rodriguez encourages people to take care of themselves.
“They (should) check themselves (for cancer), eat well, try not to eat canned foods, processed meats,” he said. “(They should) choose foods that are a little healthier, because in these times, all the food is already very bad.”
To support Rodriguez, visit https://gofund.me/0f983953.
Rodríguez busca apoyo en la lucha contra el cáncer
Isidro Rodríguez López se enfrenta al mayor reto de su vida: una batalla contra el cáncer.
Pide a la gente que le ayude en su lucha.
Originario de Papaloapan, Oaxaca, México, Rodríguez llegó a Estados Unidos en el 2001, siguiendo los pasos de su hermano. Ha trabajado como barbero durante más de 40 años, ofreciendo sus servicios desde su casa.
En diciembre del 2022, a los 61 años, le diagnosticaron cáncer. Aunque también padece prediabetes, colesterol e hipertensión, nada podría haberle preparado para el diagnóstico.
Cuando le diagnosticaron la enfermedad, Rodríguez consideró la posibilidad de regresar a México, ya que no tenía seguro médico ni documentos legales en Estados Unidos, dijo. Pero su comunidad y su red de apoyo le motivaron a quedarse, asegurándole que encontraría ayuda.
Y así fue.
Rodríguez ha contado con la ayuda de su trabajadora social, que le ha guiado a través del complicado sistema sanitario estadounidense y ha sido fundamental para organizar su tratamiento, a pesar de las barreras financieras y legales, dijo. Aun así, reconoce que su viaje ha sido difícil.
Sin seguro médico y sin la documentación legal necesaria para obtener ayuda económica, Rodríguez ha confiado en su fe, en la amabilidad de la gente y en la ayuda de su trabajador social para superar el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Para ayudar a cubrir los costos del tratamiento, ha recaudado dinero a través de diversos tipos de donaciones, incluida una página de GoFundMe. A pesar de algunas donaciones, sigue necesitando más apoyo.
«Estoy profundamente agradecido a todos los que han contribuido», dijo Rodríguez. «Aunque la recaudación ha sido modesta, … cada centavo cuenta. Sólo puedo trabajar al 10% de mi capacidad, pero hago lo que puedo para sentirme útil.”
El diagnóstico y el tratamiento del cáncer han cambiado drásticamente la vida de Rodríguez, dijo. Además de las horas de trabajo limitadas, ya no puede disfrutar de su comida mexicana favorita debido a una dieta restrictiva impuesta por su tratamiento.
A pesar de su estado de salud, Rodríguez mantiene una actitud positiva y da gracias a Dios, a su familia, a sus amigos y a la generosidad de los desconocidos que le han apoyado en estos momentos difíciles. También sigue agradecido por su vida en Estados Unidos.
Sabiendo por lo que ha pasado y está pasando, Rodríguez anima a la gente a cuidarse.
«Deben revisarse (para detectar el cáncer), comer bien, tratar de no comer alimentos enlatados, carnes procesadas», dijo. «(Deberían) elegir alimentos un poco más sanos, porque en estos tiempos, toda la comida ya está muy mala».
Para apoyar a Rodríguez, visite https://gofund.me/0f983953
