Ulises
This is the story of Ulises:
“I was 15 years old when I found out,” shared Ulises H., now 18. “It started with headaches, my eye hurt, and I couldn’t really see the TV well. I had a headache for a week and just couldn’t really move.”
Ulises was diagnosed with a brain tumor, an incredibly daunting and life-altering condition. “The tumor was causing liquid to leak and coagulate in my forehead, which required a 32-stitch surgery,” Ulises explained. “Afterwards, I was sent to Utah for brain surgery. The tumor was growing with chemo, and I couldn’t walk or talk due to its size. I spent two months in Utah.”
The journey was harrowing. “When I went through surgery, they told my family my chances of survival were low because the tumor was too deep,” Ulises recounted. “The surgery lasted nine hours.”
The aftermath was equally challenging. “I spent one week in a coma after the tumor was removed. They told my mom I would be paralyzed as a result of the surgery. But I am not paralyzed!” Ulises exclaimed. “I can’t drive or go to the strip, and I can’t stand loud noises, but I’m alive.”
Ulises’s life was forever changed by his diagnosis and treatment. “I fell into depression,” he said. “Both my parents lost a lot of weight from the stress.” His mother, Veronica Rios, recalled, “Ulises would tell me, ‘If I die, remember that I will always love you.’” The emotional toll was immense for the entire family.
Despite the hardships, Ulises and his family found support in one another. “My daughter Jasmine, who’s like a second mom to Ulises, lost her job to be with us during treatment. She was recently married at the time,” Veronica shared. Ulises also found solace in his dog, Gigi, who has been with him for two years and helps him cope by sensing his emotions.
Ulises’s introduction to Candlelighters came during his first chemo session. “I met Jackie, who invited us to the Raiders Stadium and a Thanksgiving dinner at Red Rock. I made friends with other teens there,” he remembered. His favorite thing about Candlelighters is Teen Scene, where he connects with peers who understand his experience. “Jackie and Alexa, my counselor, have been incredibly supportive.”
Candlelighters had a profound impact on Ulises’s journey. “Counseling helps with the PTSD that comes with treatment. They’ve helped us in so many ways, like providing financial assistance and giving us a Walmart gift card for groceries when we were struggling,” he said.
After completing his treatment, Ulises had one thing on his mind: food. “The first thing I wanted to do was eat sushi and ceviche. After they took out my port, we went to town and ate so much!” he laughed. His family also took him to a Homeshake concert, celebrating the end of a grueling chapter.
Looking back, Ulises has advice for others facing similar battles. “Just keep staying strong and stay positive, even during the roughest patches. You will get through it if you keep looking on the bright side. I love finding humor in my situation—I called myself Mr. Clean when I didn’t have hair,” he chuckled. “See a therapist, communicate with your family, and don’t suƯer alone. It’s so much harder if you’re just fighting on your own.
