Edwin R. Vazquez

Ed Vazquez (Dad) is a 59 year old rock star with a heart of gold and a dreamer’s soul. He’s the life of every party and he has a child-like sense of humor that can bring light to even the darkest of situations. He will dance to any music you put on and never says no to late night karaoke. He’s basically unbeatable when it comes to dominos (unless he’s playing against Grandpa) and he never EVER misses a chance to jam out with a guitar.

Dad loves the life he’s built and he never takes any of it for granted. He’s spent the last 33 years loving his bride (yes, he still calls her that) and raising four kids who have learned to enjoy life just as much as he does. He’s worked as an architect full-time for over 30 years while also volunteering with the Beekman Fire Department, teaching CPR classes locally, working part-time as an EMT, and doing countless other things to provide for his family and give back to his community. He’s basically living proof that hard work pays off and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

At the beginning of September, dad was diagnosed with stage three esophageal cancer that was recently discovered to have also metastasized in his brain. This news hits hard no matter the circumstance, but it was especially difficult for him because it came after a year and a half of dealing with other medical issues. Right when he thought the worst of it was over, he had to begin what he knows will be the hardest battle he’s ever fought. He will have to undergo treatment over the next few months in the form of chemotherapy and radiation and he will eventually need surgery to remove a portion of his esophagus. His spirits remain high, but there is not doubt that he will need all of the love and support he can get to carry him through this fight.

January 2021 Update:

Over the last few months there have been various setbacks, but there have been gains as well. Dad’s cancer has officially been classified as “Stage 4” and the main tumor has been deemed “inoperable”. Treatment options are now limited to chemotherapy and radiation alone. This was difficult to hear, but Dad took the news like a champ and focused his energy on making sure he stays healthy enough to continue his treatment. He has gained a few pounds and he’s learned that it’s ok to rest when his body tells him it’s needed. He has undergone seven rounds of chemo and the most recent PET scan showed that the main tumor in his esophagus has shrunk by about 50%. So far, the chemo is working! He also had one round of radiation to his brain, which has prevented further growth of the metastatic lesions up to this point. He is definitely feeling the effects of the treatment and some days are worse than others, but he remains resilient in his efforts to stay the course.