Hello everyone! My name is Jonathan Luna, and I am currently 24 years old. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer back in March of 2023, when I was 21. Initially, before my diagnosis, my family and I thought it was an ulcer issue. It is a medical condition that runs through the family from my mom's side, so we didn't think much of it. On February 23rd, 2023, I went to the Emergency Room at Banner Octollio Medical Center after being recommended by my physician's office. She stated that she was seeing signs of anemia through my color pigmentation and cracked lips. I spent the night over and was transferred to Banner Desert Medical Center, arriving around 6:30 a.m. They said they didn't have a gastroenterologist on site, so the transfer was necessary. I was at Banner Desert from the 24th to the 27th. An Upper GI endoscopy procedure was conducted on the 25th. "A single 50 mm pedunculated polyp with bleeding and stigmata or recent bleeding was found in the gastric body. There were multiple areas of mucosal ulcerations of the polyp. The lesion had a large stalk and appeared endoscopically benign" (Banner Desert Endoscopy Department). To stop the active bleeding, a total of thirteen hemostatic clips were placed. Additionally, the tumor cells tested positive for chromogranin, synaptophysin, and TCK. On March 13th, I had a more in-depth endoscopy procedure that confirmed the results but also found the areas the tumor also infected. Throughout the weeks and months, I had multiple different scans done to see its impact. The cancer had spread all over my liver as well. It was originally thought to have just stayed stationary in my stomach. My oncologist was working hard and keeping in contact with the different members of my medical team. She informed me that my case was brought up to many different doctors from all different kinds of fields to discuss how best to approach my condition. My case was seen as a very rare occurrence, considering my age and cancer stage. Through much discussion, it was decided that surgery was going to be the best approach. My oncologist wanted to avoid doing Chemotherapy as much as possible. I had a consultation with my surgeon explaining the process of the surgery. He explained that, unfortunately, if the cancer was in the stomach, they would have to remove it. This was honestly the first thing that got me worried this whole time. I didn't want to lose such a precious gift from God. From June 7th to the 9th, I was at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center for my surgery. Thankfully, the tumor was located behind the stomach, so it didn't need to be removed. Thank the Lord! As for the ones in my liver, the big ones were removed while the smaller ones were burned. Throughout this whole journey, I was told by my medical team that I handled my situation much better than their patients before. Though this is something I don't claim to have myself. From when I was first admitted into the E.R. to now, I have felt a sense of ease that feels unexplainable.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

October 26th, 2023, was the start of a four-part Iron Sucrose injection. It greatly helps with my anemia condition and the drastic blood loss. My doctor told me I was one point away from being considered at risk. Now I continue to visit my doctor's office every four weeks, located inside the ASU Research Park, since I was discharged from HonorHealth SSMC. Every visit consists of a routine lab check of the blood, followed by a cancer medication injection. I thank the Lord for his mercies and protection over me and his comfort for my family and me. This journey reminded me of the importance of relying on God for everything. For nothing can be accomplished without his grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Now, I come before you as a humble person with a heavy heart, asking for your generous support. Any amount will be greatly appreciated! May the Lord continue to watch over you and bless you! Thank you!

2 Corinthians 9:7: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.