In August 2017, we got the very shocking news that Marcos was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer. We were roommates at the time, and I happened to be on vacation. I remember he texted me that he was moving out, but he wouldn't tell me why. He said that we could talk about it when I got back. I assumed I must have done something to piss him off -- maybe I left too many dishes left in the sink, stole too many of his Mexican chocolates, got drunk and left an eggroll in his shoe?
I frantically texted our other friends to see what I had done. Eventually, they convinced Marcos that he needed to give me a call. I'll never forget when he told me. My jaw dropped. I felt numb. I asked why he didn't tell me. He replied, "I wanted you to enjoy your vacation."
That's the type of guy Marcos was. He always thought of others before himself - even during the hardest parts of his treatment, the lowest of lows. He never wanted anyone to worry or to be a bother. He was a warrior...without a doubt, he was the strongest guy I know. He did it with a smile and genuine kindness in his heart. He was a gem, truly. Without exaggeration, Marcos was one of kind: a 6'3" 250lb. hockey and professional rugby playing Mexican Jew with a weird Canadian accent and a repertoire of dad jokes a mile long.
I miss him a ton.
We did our first Jimmy Fund Walk about ~4 weeks after Marcos was diagnosed. We've done it every year since, and we'll continue to do it every year going forward.
I hope that our minor impact can one day save someone else's Marcos.
Love you, Kitos. 12/21/2020.
Thank you to all those that participated in our Third Annual Viva La Marcos Super Bowl Squares.