His Journey:
Growing up in California, Ralph had to fend for himself from the young age of 14. With no support system, he found himself joining a gang as a means of survival, faced with the grim choice of being part of the gang or becoming a victim. Despite taking the wrong path initially, he eventually realized that this lifestyle was not for him. Determined to break the generational curse of prison and violence, he turned his life around after a stint in prison.
Upon his release, he pursued higher education, discovered his faith in God, and started learning about his native roots and heritage. Along the way at the age of 16, he met his dear friend and Pastor Jeff Chavez at a Christian men’s home, who helped him find his purpose. His heritage became a source of strength and inspiration, leading him to teach classes about native culture and history.
He dedicated himself to helping others by working with men's homes in Texas, California, and Arizona. His commitment to his native community grew stronger as he started working with the Native Coalition, facilitating classes on drugs and alcohol at the Native American Recovery Center in Arizona, and becoming an activist fighting for the rights of the native community.
A New Challenge:
On October 19th, 2023, Ralph received a devastating diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This news has been traumatic and stressful, leaving him feeling hopeless and helpless at times. However, his spirit was reignited when he met his fiancé a beautiful native woman named Pertasha, who gave him a new zest for life and hope for brighter days ahead.
Despite their love and support for each other, the diagnosis has brought significant challenges. With Ralph being unable to work and Pertasha as the sole provider, times have been incredibly tough. Ralph’s diagnosis leads tothe heat exacerbating his condition, leaving him disoriented and unable to stay active for long. Recently, he lost his home due to an eviction after his roommate overdosed on fentanyl, leading him to homelessness once again.
Currently, they are staying in an extended-stay hotel that costs $57 a day. With an income of only $632 through social security, a car payment of $300, and car insurance of $200, they are left with just $100 after expenses. Pertasha has been working tirelessly through temp agencies to pay for their room and keep them off the streets.
How You Can Help:
Ralph dreams of surviving this cancer diagnosis and reaching the dormant stage, so he can return to his passion for teaching and supporting the native community. But to get there, he needs our help.
The funds raised will go towards: Medical bills and treatment expenses, daily living costs, including the extended stay hotel, and essential needs to ensure Ralph and Pertasha can focus on his recovery without the constant fear of homelessness.
Your support can make a profound difference in Ralph's life. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help Ralph fight this battle and give him a chance to continue his mission of helping others. Let's come together to support him in his journey to recovery and beyond.
Share Their Story: Thank you for taking the time to read Ralph's story and for any support you can provide. Together, we can help him overcome this challenge and see a brighter future.Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks to spread the word and help us reach our goal
Thank you again for your kindness and generosity.