A year ago, at the age of 22, Manny Alvarez discovered lumps on his arm and leg. After multiple doctor visits, Manny was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer known as ASPS: Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. The disease had already spread to his lungs and he was stage four. The more the family researched the less resources they found for ASPS and the treatment options available were scarce. Manny was initially sent to the National institute of Health (NIH) to take part in a clinical trial. Six weeks ago Manny received the terrible news that the clinical trial at the NIH had stopped working. A tumor in his knee had grown and it was on the verge of breaking bones in his knee. After a partial femur replacement and knee replacement the tumor was removed and Manny is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation. Following the surgery the tumor was analyzed by a team of researchers and doctors who discovered a family of medications that knocked out the cancer cells to ZERO. This past week Manny’s insurance (Florida Blue, a francise of Blue Cross Blue Shield) denied him coverage for this treatment. The treatment cost for two initial cycles is over $266,000.00 . A year ago Manny made his decision to fight cancer, not his health insurance provider. The family asks the community for support in this battle. No amount is too little, any donation will help. For more information contact spearsarcoma@gmail.com or Christie Alvarez Martell at (305) 793-1189.
*Money raised on this site will go directly to Manny for medical expenses. This site is in no relation to the Manny Alvarez Foundation who’s mission is to raise funds and awareness for ASPS-specific research.