2024 We Fight Together! Run/Walk for Isaac...

_ The 2024 We Fight Together! Run/Walk for Isaac:

Join us on Saturday, January 13th for a 2mile Run/Walk to support Isaac Montanez and his family in the fight against Leukemia. 

This is a free event. If you are able you can make donations directly to Farin Martinez, Isaac's Mother, via the Venmo QR Code below or you may make cash donations in person on Saturday. 

Go Fund Me Link

About Isaac:

Isaac was 8 years old when he was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His first and only question for the doctor that day was, “Am I going to die?” 

The oncologist explained that Isaac’s blood cancer is one of the most common and most treatable childhood cancers. Huge sigh of relief! From then on, Isaac and his family focused on just one question: When is he going to be cured and get back to regular life? 

It seemed life had returned almost to normal as chemotherapy treatments became fewer and farther between. Isaac was feeling well, had returned to school, and enjoyed a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, funded completely by Make-A-Wish. 

But in November, just as Isaac, now 11 years old, finished what was supposed to be his final chemo dose, the oncology team at Valley Children’s found that Isaac’s leukemia had returned. It was time to start from square one, but this time with more chemo, an additional immunotherapy treatment, and a bone marrow transplant to prevent a relapse. 

Chemotherapy essentially erased Isaac’s immune system, which made him susceptible to every bacteria, fungus and virus that healthy humans are able to fight off. In December, at the start of his immunotherapy treatment, oncologists were perplexed by Isaac’s constant fevers. After many tests, they discovered he had a fungal infection, likely from inhaling a mold spore. 

The fungus destroyed Isaac’s sinuses, his olfactory bulb, and the bony plate separating his sinuses from his brain. By the time he was transferred to Stanford (Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital) the fungus had reached his brain and destroyed some of his frontal lobe. 

While the world was celebrating end-of-year holidays, Isaac was undergoing sinus surgery, brain surgery, and fighting pneumonia. 

On Jan 3, Isaac was able to get his breathing tube removed, as his pneumonia is gone and he is able to breathe on his own again. He is recovering well from sinus and neurosurgery. His leukemia is in re-remission. 

Doctors are now able to focus on oncology treatment to prevent a relapse of leukemia, although a bone marrow transplant does not look like it’s in the cards anymore. Through all of this, Isaac also developed liver cirrhosis, possibly from the frequent blood product transfusions and countless medications. Because of this liver problem, Isaac might only be eligible for CAR-T Cell Therapy, which has a 50% cure rate, 50% rate of leukemia relapse. 

Isaac will remain hospitalized in Stanford for the duration of his treatment. His mom and dad are rotating in the hospital every week. He has the support of two step-parents as well, and his 13-year-old sister. 

Isaac’s cancer journey has been unimaginable. His family is grateful for all of the prayers, love, and positive thoughts. Isaac is not fighting alone; he has entire communities raising him up and fighting with him. Fuck cancer.