Meet Rodolfo – A story as told by his mom

Rodolfo Sanchez, a young ensemble and musical theater actor was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago at only 13 years old. Soon after his diagnosis, the South Texas native had to undergo a bone marrow transplant at Texas Children’s Hospital—a surgery that he and his family prayed would leave him cancer-free and give him the ability to pursue his passion for performing.

Unfortunately, Rodolfo’s cancer came back four times since the first surgery, and on September 13, 2024, he received another transplant continuing his health journey.

“Each time he is hospitalized, it is devastating and we feel so lonely because all our family lives far away from Houston, but His Grace Foundation is a comfort to us and other patients and families on the 8th floor,” said Rodolfo’s mom, Elisa Morales.

Texas Children’s Hospital’s (TCH) Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program treats patients from newborn through young adulthood. Since Rodolfo is in his early twenties and has always received treatment at the hospital he returned for care in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

Like most young adults his age, Rodolfo worked, lived independently, and in his case, enjoyed living life in the spotlight of the theater, honing his skills. However, when he learned the cancer returned and that he needed hospitalization for another round of treatment, his focus shifted to include concerns about his apartment and expenses.

“After being hospitalized for one and a half months, one of Rodolfo’s biggest worries became paying rent,” said Morales. “I’m a seamstress and I had to stop working to be with him so I couldn’t keep paying his rent by myself. His Grace Foundation helped us with this and I’m in tears right now because all my son wanted to know is that he would eventually sleep in his own bed at his apartment. This is the kind of hope that he needed to heal his soul. I am so full of gratitude. Thank you so much.”

Morales also said throughout the years, His Grace Foundation has helped with gas, food, parking assistance and provided great meals and snacks in the unit which were a lifesaver.

“His Grace Foundation is one of a kind and has by far provided the most helpful and heart-warming support we could ever have received.  I hope I can one day return all the love you put into our lives. ¡Dios Ama al que da con Alegria! GOD loves those who give with joy,” said Morales.