Abel’s journey with breast cancer began in late 2023 when he was diagnosed and started chemotherapy known as the “red devil.” He received treatments every other week for two months, followed by a mastectomy in April 2024. That summer, Abel went through additional chemotherapy and radiation, but complications arose when the treatment began to affect his heart. Now, with ongoing tests and the possibility of needing a pacemaker, his cancer journey has become a lifelong road of treatment and recovery.
As a male breast cancer survivor, Abel faces unique challenges—from the surprise and disbelief of others when they learn about his diagnosis to the difficulty of finding other men with similar experiences. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, reminding men that they too have breast tissue and should perform self-exams. Abel himself detected his cancer by finding a lump that continued to grow.
Through it all, Abel has leaned on his faith and family for strength, while also finding support in the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). DBCC’s Breast Care Assistance Fund helped his family during a difficult financial transition after he had to stop working, and its staff have provided resources, encouragement, and a listening ear when he needed it most.
While his life has changed dramatically—from working daily to scheduling everything around medical appointments—Abel remains grateful. “The past couple of years have been hard because it’s all been about accepting change whether I want to or not,” he says. “But my family and God have been my guiding lights, and I am still thankful to just even be here.”
YOU can help the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition raise the funds necessary to continue providing life-changing programs and services to community members, breast cancer survivors, and their families. Create a fundraising page and encourage your friends, family, and associates to donate or simply give as an individual!
Your tax-deductible donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference in Delaware!
• $1000+ will support the basic living needs of a survivor including rent, utilities, food, and medical bills while they are actively in treatment.
• $500+ will fund crucial programming including mental health, wellness, nutrition, and support resources so they can focus on healing without the financial toxicity and stress caused by their disease.
• $250+ will fund screening assistance and outreach initiatives, saving lives through regular screenings. (Last year we helped coordinate 1,183 mammograms!)
• $50-$100 will provide essential educational and resources for newly diagnosed patients and support a patient with transportation costs to receive treatments.
Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the life of someone impacted by breast cancer.
Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones are counting on us to stand together against this fight. Please help DBCC to ensure that no one is left to face this relentless disease alone. Thank you!
