Roberto shared something he carries quietly, but deeply: “From the four patients treated alongside me back home, I am the only one still alive.” Those words sit in the air when he says them. Not heavy, just true and full of gratitude. “We are here with gratitude. Open Arms marked us forever [.]” treatment plans, care teams watching closely and adjusting when needed. These treatment paths do not exist where he comes from. Roberto continued treatment in Memphis. Over time, the medication stopped working, and the cancer progressed again – this time pressing against nerves along his ribs. But here, he had new options: radiation, alternative An Opportunity to Live
“Being here saved my life,” he said. Open Arms became more than shelter. It was safety. When they eventually left the apartment Roberto cried. “We felt loved there,” he said. “We did not want to leave.” Today, the family remains in Memphis as Roberto’s cancer stubbornly remains. Along with trying a new experimental treatment, his family is exploring avenues to stay in the country to ensure continuity of care. He hopes one day to return to dentistry, or at least work as a dental assistant, using the skills he spent his life building. For now, lifting is difficult. His body tires quickly. So Teresa works at a local school, where she first volunteered until they received work authorization. The Journey Continues
Their lives are quieter now. Slower. But full of determination.
“We are here with gratitude,” Teresa said. “Open Arms marked us forever, and whatever we can do to give back, we are always available.” They carry on supported by hope, determination, and the unforgettable gift of a home that held them when they needed it most.
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