Ricardo Perez, a parishioner of the Basilica of San Albino, faced a life-altering diagnosis of midline diffuse glioma, an aggressive brain tumor, in January 2024. What followed was a challenging journey of medical uncertainty, emotional trials, and a profound reaffirmation of faith that has inspired his family and community.
Perez’s symptoms began subtly, with anxiety-like episodes, a metallic taste in his mouth, and moments of disorientation. Initially dismissed by doctors as anxiety, his condition escalated dramatically one day at a gas station when he suffered a seizure and fainted. “I don’t remember what happened,” Perez recalled. “I woke up in the hospital, and they told me I was fighting people in the ambulance.” An MRI revealed a brain tumor on the left side of his head, confirmed by a biopsy as a midline diffuse glioma.
The diagnosis left Perez numb. “Everything went through my head,” he said. “I kept thinking it was a nightmare I wouldn’t wake up from.” His wife, Michelle Perez, described the family’s anguish as they waited two months for the biopsy results, knowing the tumor was growing. “It was aggressive,” she said. “We were just waiting for the call.”
The Ricardo was advised to adopt a vegan diet and begin chemotherapy and radiation immediately. Perez’s sensitivity to sound became so severe that even normal conversation was unbearable, forcing those around him to whisper. Despite the grueling treatment, the family’s faith became a cornerstone of their resilience. “I started praying harder than ever,” Perez said, noting that he prayed the rosary three times a day. Every night, the family gathered around their kitchen table to pray together.
A turning point came when a family friend recommended seeking a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Unlike the local doctors who deemed surgery too risky, the Houston team offered hope. “They told me they could operate,” Perez said, his voice brightening at the memory. “I was ecstatic.” The surgery was successful, but a month later, a follow-up MRI delivered devastating news: a white spot appeared, suggesting the tumor had returned.
The neurosurgeon and oncologist initially recommended clinical trials, as the chemotherapy seemed ineffective. “I was devastated,” Perez admitted. “I stopped praying. I asked God, ‘Why am I going through this?’” Michelle, however, never wavered. “I prayed for both of us,” she said. “I told him we have to leave it in God’s hands.”
Two weeks later, the oncologist called with unexpected news. The white spot’s nature was unclear—it might not be a tumor after all. Perez resumed the original chemotherapy, and subsequent MRIs showed stability. Now, seven months off chemotherapy, Perez’s scans remain clear. With five more months until he can be considered in remission, he remains cautiously optimistic.
The ordeal tested the couple’s faith but ultimately deepened it. “When we got the good news, I thanked God and the Virgin Mary,” Perez said. “I promised I’d never stop praying again.” He credits divine intervention and the prayers of his family and community for his survival. “I felt like God was saying, ‘I’m still here,’” he added.
Michelle reflected on the family’s journey, noting their daughter’s innocent yet poignant role. “She knew Daddy was sick,” she said. “She’d remind him, ‘No sugar, Daddy.’ She took care of him.” The family’s visits to churches, including a memorable trip to a church in Mesilla, New Mexico, after the diagnosis, further anchored their faith.
Perez’s experience has transformed him. He now aspires to give back to his church, offering speeches to inspire others. “I want to tell everyone to keep their faith,” he said. “Whether it’s cancer or any struggle, pray to God and the saints like St. Peregrine. Pray together—it’s powerful.”
As Perez looks back, he wishes he had never doubted his faith. “God had me the whole time,” he said. His message to others facing similar battles is clear: “Never stop praying. God’s always there.” For the Perez family, this harrowing journey has not only brought them closer to each other but also to their faith, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope and prayer can light the way.