SOURCE OF STRENGTH: District employees come to aid of co-worker fighting cancer

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

It was unexpected.

This is how 65-year-old Gustavo González, who for over 18 years has worked in the department of building and grounds for San Benito CISD, described his reaction to an overwhelming show of support from his fellow co-workers during a time of need.

The support came after Gustavo was diagnosed with stage 2 colorectal cancer in late May, this after already surviving a scare about seven years ago when he underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his nose. Isabel González, one of five of Gustavo’s children and a fellow employee of San Benito CISD, said she remembers that the surgery consisted of removing and testing layers of tissue until the cancer cells had all been removed.

“They took skin grafts, a graft at a time,” recalled Isabel, a special populations specialist for the district’s community relations department.

What currently faces Gustavo, however, is considered deadlier.

Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum and, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

Still, it’s something Isabel said her father is determined to overcome.

The first step was taken Monday, June 25 when Gustavo began what will amount to approximately five and a half weeks of radiation treatment while simultaneously enduring six to seven weeks of chemotherapy via a port-a-cath. It’s an unpleasant process but a necessary one.

“His spirits are up,” Isabel said about her dad. “He’s determined to beat this. His oncologists at Texas Oncology in Harlingen have told him that he will make a full recovery. Amazingly, I don’t think God could have put better healthcare providers in our path.”

Although not an obstructive tumor that’s ailing Gustavo, it’s estimated that he’ll be on medical leave for several months, by which point – and unless surgery is deemed necessary – the family anticipates receiving good news that the cancer will be gone.

Inspired by his fight, family friend and San Benito CISD Afterschool Program Director Jack Garcia dedicated his participation in this past weekend’s SB 250, a 250-mile bicycle ride from Edinburg to San Antonio, to Gustavo. Garcia also completed an additional 60 miles on his way back to the Valley and, upon doing so, encouraged fellow San Benito CISD employees to donate a day of their sick or vacation time toward Gustavo’s medical leave.

“Today hurt, but I was determined to finish,” Garcia reported via his Facebook on Sunday after completing a 300-mile bicycle ride in three days. “Today was about Mr. Gustavo González, Sr. I want to thank the San Benito CISD employees who have donated a sick day for his medical leave. This weekend was such a rewarding experience that I will always remember.”

Meanwhile, Isabel said at least 10 days have already been donated.

“I did it to help Mr. González,” said Roberto Pedraza when asked why he decided to donate one of his sick days. Pedraza, who works for the district as a custodian, said he didn’t hesitate to donate because “we need to look out for one another.” He added, “Today it’s him, tomorrow it could be me.”

Nora Martes, a library coordinator for the district, also gave one of her days. “You never know when you’re going to be in the same situation,” Martes said.

Raul Lopez, another of Gustavo’s children, said he noticed “a glow” in his father when hearing of the outpouring of support. “Dad was ecstatic,” Raul said, adding that his father was particularly pleased with Garcia’s gesture. “My dad’s never really been in a situation like this and doesn’t really know how to thank Jack.”

Other gestures, Raul said, have consisted of co-workers visiting Gustavo at his home and praying for a speedy recovery. “I feel very grateful. I didn’t expect this,” Gustavo said of the support.

“The support from dad’s co-workers has been inspiring, especially the motivation and encouragement he has received from his immediate supervisor, David Garcia,” Raul added.

“It demonstrates the kindness that we should demonstrate toward one another,” Isabel said. “We’ve been overwhelmed. From custodians to professionals, everyone is helping. The support, prayers and words of encouragement have been such a source of strength.”

Gustavo and three members of his immediate family are all employed by the school district. In addition to Isabel, Gustavo’s wife of 25 years, Francisca, is the receptionist for the Afterschool Program, and his youngest son, Gustavo Jr., is a Special Education teaching assistant at San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy.

“The people we work with day in and day out, they become like members of our family,” Isabel said. “We don’t just work together; we also look out for one another. It makes overcoming life’s unexpected challenges a little easier.”

To read this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 4 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.