Project Joy & Hope

4 days ago

Our Story – A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Love
When you think you’re living your “happily ever after,” suddenly a hurricane comes and destroys everything. It’s hard to share this story, but I speak from my heart. We are a married couple of 14 years and a family of four. Here’s a little piece of our journey.
Hello, my name is Deisse, wife of Salvador Veliz and proud mother of two beautiful children — Sebastian, age 13, and Camila, age 9. It was May 2025, and we had just started planning our summer in our hometown of Palmview, Texas. On May 18, 2025, to be exact, I noticed a small lump on Sebastian’s back, right above his spine. To make a long story short, I took him to the doctor, and that’s when our storm began — a long process of tests and waiting for answers.
In July, doctors performed bone marrow and tumor biopsies. The bone marrow results were normal, but the tumor biopsy showed Malignant spindle cell neoplasm. That’s when our world fell apart — like when a hurricane passes through and destroys everything in its path. Our daily happiness shattered, and fear entered our lives.
I was overwhelmed with emotions because I never imagined going through something like this. When I thought we were living our “happily ever after,” this horrible illness appeared — something no one should ever face. But I am a woman of faith, and I know that God is holding our hands through it all.
There were endless appointments, and even more waiting, because insurance approvals for tests and surgeries took so long. Sadly, the tumor continued to grow.
In August, we were flown urgently to Houston because the tumor had grown large enough to press on Sebastian’s spine, risking severe nerve damage and possible paralysis. On August 2, 2025, Sebastian underwent a seven-hour surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. Thank God, everything went as planned and the doctors were able to remove the entire tumor. All I could think about was my son’s recovery — his back had been opened nine inches vertically, and four bones had to be shaved to remove tumor.
In my mind, I didn’t want to accept that “malignant spindle cell” meant cancer. My heart knew it, but I held on to hope that after surgery, it would all be over.
A week later, we were sent home to follow up with the oncology team. On August 21, our fears were confirmed — Sebastian was diagnosed with BCOR- Sarcoma, a rare cancer that had formed in the soft tissue of his back. The doctor told us that even though the tumor had been removed, he would still need chemotherapy and radiation for six months.
So many thoughts went through our minds, but one truth stood out: without health, we have nothing. God reminded me that I had my family. With the support of our family, we began the next step of treatment.
On September 5, 2025, Sebastian started his first round of chemotherapy. On the second day of his hospital stay, my heart broke as I watched him vomit and saw his tired, pale face. But I knew I had to stay strong for him — to remind him that he can fight this battle, because God is with us.
A few days later, we received a call from Houston saying that radiation, originally planned for November, would need to begin in late October. Just when I thought I could focus on chemotherapy, I suddenly had to find a place for us to stay in Houston.
It was overwhelming — we didn’t have the resources to make things happen quickly, and I didn’t even know where to start. Thank God for the social workers who guided us through every step. One of them contacted me and sent three housing applications by email. I filled them all out, hoping at least one would accept us.
Later, she called to check in and said that, given the short notice and waiting lists, we would most likely be placed in a hotel. I told her that my dream was to qualify for Project Joy and Hope, because it would allow our family to stay together in a home with three bedrooms — and most importantly, I could cook healthy meals for Sebastian to help him stay strong.
She kindly told me that the program was almost always full, so it might not be possible. My heart sank. I had been holding onto the hope of having a home — a little bit of privacy and peace for our family.
But not even five minutes later, my phone rang. It was Dr. Jan Wheeler from Project Joy and Hope, calling to say they had received our application. I wanted to scream with joy! It felt like God was sending me a sign — that He was guiding us every step of the way. Dr. Jan Wheeler told me they had a home available and would be happy to welcome us. In that moment, I knew — God performs small miracles every day.
We arranged to meet the following week to complete the paperwork. When Dr. Wheeler welcomed me and showed us the home, I felt peace in my heart. Even while walking through this storm, God was placing angels in our lives.
That day, I went home grateful — grateful that we had a perfect plan for my son’s treatment, and a safe, beautiful place to stay. I know that behind this project there are many generous people, and I pray that God continues to bless everyone who supports it.
The name Project Joy and Hope couldn’t be more fitting. For families like ours, who are far from home and caring for a sick loved one, they truly bring both joy and hope. We are beyond thankful to have found them.
It is a blessing to sleep peacefully in a beautiful home with every comfort. We’ve just completed our first week here, and thank God, Sebastian’s radiation treatments are going well. I have faith that soon, God will restore his full health.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, PROJECT JOY AND HOPE, for everything you do for my family. You are truly a blessing in our life .
-Veliz Family ... See MoreSee Less

Project Joy & Hope

5 days ago

Siblings can walk to school...it's on our street. ... See MoreSee Less