One month ago I was happily enjoying my 32nd birthday without a care in the world. Days later I found myself being admitted to the hospital with those ever feared words: cancer and leukemia. Things quickly got worst and I faced some of the most difficult and painful days/nights of my entire life. It’s not cliche, just honest truth, that I could not have made it through this past month with out the important people in my life. My amazing girlfriend @dianasanchezpalomino04 left Peru to be at my side, shower me with love and care, and push me everyday to be stronger. My parents with their complete selflessness throughout doing everything they can. My brothers, my grandparents, my aunts/uncles/cousins, my friends and everyone else who reached out, sent a message, and guided me in which steps to take next. I’ve traveled many paths around the world but this was the first time that I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going and I was completely terrified. I can’t speak highly enough about @memorialsloankettering for taking over my case, providing me with outstanding care and service, and diagnosing/treating one of the more rare forms of cancer. At times my case seemed completely unsolvable, but they kept working, probing me, and finally figured it out. I am now sitting here one month later after beginning a mild chemotherapy treatment with my health, my happiness, and my optimism. I still have to gain back some weight, that should be easy, but I can happily say that everything is going to be okay. I have made it through the darkness and came out the other side more grateful than ever for the amazing life I have but most importantly for the amazing people that surround me. If this post does anything, I hope it inspires everyone to spend some extra time with those people, make an extra phone call, visit a loved one, you never know when you might fall down and need them to pick you back up. Photo 1: Celebrating the start of the rest of my life last night Photo 2: The whole thing seemed like a blur, but I remember my first smile when Diana arrived at my side from Peru Photos 3-10: Beautiful memories with the most amazing and important people in my life.