Jeffrey Espinoza, at right, poses for a photo with his mom, Deisy Matute, at a Dragon football game. The Holyoke High School junior’s extracurricular activities will be sidelined for now due to a recent diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Jeffrey Espinoza diagnosed with leukemia
In a normal year, 17-year-old Jeffrey Espinoza would be preparing for his junior year at Holyoke High School and getting pumped up for another season of Dragon football.
Not this year.
On July 4, Espinoza was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after going to the emergency room with extreme pain. He hadn’t been feeling well, including a toothache, but his doctor and dentist didn’t know the problem until his blood was tested early in July.
Friends, classmates, teachers and the community have surrounded Espinoza and his family with support as he began chemotherapy treatments and bone marrow transplants at Children’s Hospital in the Denver area.
Espinoza’s mom, Deisy Matute, said the entire process could take about two and a half years.
She is giving thanks to God that he is responding to the treatment at this point, and although it’s been difficult, the situation has made them more united as a family.
Being away from home has been a struggle, and they are especially missing Matute’s 13-year-old daughter, Rut, who is staying with other family members right now.
Espinoza may be able to do some schooling online, but it would be ideal for him to be able to return to school in Holyoke at some point.
And for now, his activities like football, wrestling, baseball and weightlifting will have to be put on the sideline. He also loves music, video games, art, and spending time with his friends and girlfriend.
Although Espinoza wasn’t able to speak last week, he typed a message that said the whole thing is a process, but very soon he will come out of it because, like the gorilla, he is strong.
Matute said they are very thankful for everything the community is doing and everyone who is keeping in touch, especially Espinoza’s teachers.
Cards and drawings to brighten up his hospital room can be sent to 444 E. Kellogg St., Holyoke, CO 80734, and one of his caregivers will make sure he gets them.
An account for monetary gifts has been set up at Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union under Deisy Matute/Jeffrey Espinoza.
A T-shirt campaign is one way funds are being raised for the family. The shirts can be purchased at https://www.customink.com/fundraising/jeffreys-cancer-fight.
Wristbands are also for sale. Contact Antoni at 970-291-7905 or Emily at 402-332-5241.
Anyone with other fundraising ideas for Espinoza can give them a call, as well.