Esteban practically grew up on the tennis court. What began as a childhood passion became years of hard work, coaching, training, and determination. While attending high school, he balanced his studies with work and continued investing in his future in tennis.
He went on to create his own business, Ayala Tennis Academy, earned multiple coaching certifications, and continued developing professionally as a racquet sports coach. By only 20 years old, Esteban had already turned the sport he grew up loving into a profession and was building a future of his own. He dreamed of continuing his education, growing his career, and building a life around the sport he loves.
Then cancer changed everything.
Esteban was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024. He underwent surgery followed by months of chemotherapy, and for a time, we allowed ourselves to believe that perhaps the hardest chapter was finally behind us.
Sadly, in 2026, the cancer returned aggressively and had spread to other parts of his body. Since then, Esteban has endured months of intensive chemotherapy, hospitalizations, procedures, and treatment after the cancer also spread to his brain.
There have been days of exhaustion, fear, uncertainty, and treatments that no 20-year-old should have to face. Yet through everything his body and mind have endured, Esteban continues to fight.
Now we are approaching the most difficult and delicate stage of his journey.
Esteban is preparing for high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant, a treatment being pursued with the hope of giving him the chance to overcome this disease. The process will involve extensive testing, hospitalization, extremely intensive treatment, and a long and vulnerable recovery.
As his family, it is difficult to put into words the fear we feel as we prepare for what lies ahead. But alongside that fear, we continue holding tightly to our faith, our hope, and the possibility of seeing Esteban come through this and return to the life he loves.
Esteban is the oldest of five siblings. His four younger siblings — ages 13, 5, 3, and 1 — adore their big brother. They love the ordinary moments they still get to share with him, and they are waiting for the day when cancer and treatment no longer have to determine so much of their family’s life.
The journey will not end when Esteban leaves the hospital. During his recovery, his immune system will be extremely vulnerable, and he will require constant care and a carefully protected environment. With four young children at home, our family will need to reorganize nearly every part of our daily life to protect Esteban while continuing to care for his younger brothers and sisters.
The months ahead will also bring significant financial challenges. Donations will help our family cover essential expenses directly related to caring for Esteban throughout his treatment and recovery, including transportation to and from medical appointments and treatment, meals during hospital stays and long treatment days, caregiving needs, household expenses while our family remains focused on his care, possible temporary lodging to provide him with a safe environment during his vulnerable recovery, and other essential expenses that may arise throughout the transplant and recovery process.
But this fundraiser is about much more than expenses.
It is about giving a 20-year-old young man the opportunity to continue the life he had already worked so hard to build.
We want to see Esteban back on the tennis court with a racquet in his hand. We want to see him continue his education, grow the career he worked so hard to begin, laugh with his friends, spend time with his family, and simply have the opportunity to experience the future a 20-year-old should be able to dream about.
We cannot fight this battle for Esteban, but we can make sure he does not have to face it alone.
Every donation, no matter the amount, will help our family focus on what matters most in the months ahead: being beside Esteban and helping him through treatment and recovery. If you are unable to donate, sharing his story can be just as meaningful by helping it reach someone who can.
Above all, please keep Esteban in your prayers as he prepares for this incredibly difficult chapter.
Esteban has spent his young life working toward his dreams. Now we are asking for your help to give him the chance to keep living them.
Thank you for standing with Esteban and our family.