Cancer-stricken officer back at work

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Mayor Joe H. Hernandez is shown with officer Guadalupe Ayala in this June 2011 photo. (Stock photo)

Officer Guadalupe Ayala celebrated his 50th birthday on the job Tuesday, all the while continuing his fight with cancer.

Although still enduring chemotherapy treatment two months after the 20-year veteran of the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, Ayala returned to light duty a few weeks ago after receiving optimistic prognoses from his doctors.

“I’ve been going back and forth to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and they’ve said I’m doing really well with treatment,” Ayala said.

“Everything is fine. They’re checking my legs, neck and eyes to make sure nothing is swollen, but I’m gaining weight because I’m just at home,” he added with a laugh. “They say that’s good because most people lose weight, especially while on chemo.”

The goal, according to Ayala, is to continue chemotherapy treatment until six weeks before two scheduled surgeries in December. The success of which could lead to remission if he remains healthy.

It’s news that Ayala said has been met with relief by his family and friends.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Ayala said. “I’m still on chemo, my hands are getting dark, and my hair is starting to fall out, but it’s not bad like the way other people have it. And everywhere I go, people say they’re praying for me. Everyone tells me I don’t even look sick because I’m doing so well. So it gave me the courage to think: Why put my life on hold for cancer? I’m going to do my best with it, especially for my family, friends and the community. I have a lot of support… it’s unbelievable.”

Such support was shown in June, when fellow SBPD officers Oscar Leal, Lupi Andrade, Detective Arturo Flores and Lieutenants Martin Morales and Zeke Torres, including Chief George Gomez, helped organize a chicken plate fundraiser to help Ayala incur the cost of chemotherapy treatment. The community responded with over $7,000 in monetary contributions.

“Knowing that chemo costs $19,000, you have no idea how much that fundraiser really helped us,” Ayala said, pausing for a moment to maintain his composure. “That helped with gas, meals, hotels and all that. Parking alone at MD Anderson was $15. So I appreciate everyone for their donations and help.”

Meanwhile, at the department, Ayala is performing primarily clerical work. “A lot of filing,” Ayala said smiling. Still, he said it’s good to be back at work.

To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the Sept. 14 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.