Jose’s Story

In December 2025, Jose’s family was heading to Palm Springs for a fun winter vacation. Before it was time to leave, Jose developed a really gnarly cough. They went on to Palm Springs and had a fantastic time laughing and splashing, but the cough did not let up. As soon as they returned, Jose’s mom took him to the doctor. Jose was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Just one week after splashing and having fun on family vacation Jose was receiving his first cycle of chemotherapy.

Jose is currently entering his fifth out of six cycles of chemotherapy. He has made so much progress and has worked so hard to take care of himself and get through treatment. Jose has so much support from his family and friends. Even through treatment and the unknown of how his body will react to cancer, he has progressed in school and has straight A’s. His teacher has been incredible encouraging him and helping to pull him through. Jose just earned an award through the NAPA Valley unified school district named “Every student succeeding”, which focuses on students who have had incredible obstacles to overcome and have reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Jose’s family is so happy with the progress that Jose has made and how through it all he has remained so strong, brave and optimistic!