Hi! My name is Dr. Norma Bowe. I am the Director of Be the Change NJ ( a 501c3 non-profit) Ana Diaz Lopez has been a member of our community service and activism group for over 10 years, putting endless good into our communities. She is also a social worker helping domestic violence victims every day. Ana and her husband Angel are some of the best people I have ever met. They have two young children. They had already been having a difficult year. And then the unthinkable happened. In June 2024, after more than a year and 5 specialists, Angel Lopez was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma (CCS). CCS is a very rare, aggressive and highly malignant soft tissue cancer that occurs most often in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Angel's tumor was in his right foot. On July 11, 2024 Angel had a wide surgical excision surgery to remove the malignant tumor and surrounding healthy tissue. This left a very large (about 6 centimeter) open wound in his foot that went all the way to his bone. While waiting for pathology results Angel was hooked up to a wound vacuum that helped keep the area clean and free of infection. Only July 19, 2024 after receiving pathology results Angel underwent a 5 hour reconstruction surgery called a propeller flap transplant. Reconstructive surgeons opened his calf, rotated his calf muscle 180 degrees and connected blood vessels to his foot to reconstruct the large wound. A skin graft was taken from Angel's upper thigh to help cover the open area. He is currently on bed rest and hooked up to a surgical drain and is only permitted to keep his leg and foot in an elevated and rotated position at all times. This is to help increase viability of the muscle transplant. Right now the muscle transplant is failing and he needs hyperbaric oxygen therapy. And due to the high risk of recurrence and metastasis, Angel will need CT scans every 4 months as well as radiation therapy. Unfortunately, due to the invasive nature of his procedures, Angel will be unable to walk or bear any weight on his foot for nearly a year and then only be limited to physical therapy. As a result, Angel will not be able to work for at least the next 12 months, if not more. Angel is self-employed and does not qualify for disability benefits. The loss of his income will greatly impact this incredible family and they will not be able ability to financial obligations. Angel is a wonderful person, husband, and father. He is selfless, loving, and kind. I admire his resiliency, courage, and positive attitude while facing this disease. Please help Angel, our friend Ana and their family so that they can focus on his health without the additional financial burden that comes with a devastating diagnosis of this kind. The funds will go directly to Ana and her family to mitigate expenses and medical needs. Thank you for anything you can contribute!
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