Rafael is a 19 year old sophomore at Arizona State University. In 1999, Rafael lost his brother and best friend, Juan, to cancer. Juan and Rafael were inseparable until their world was turned upside down with Juan’s diagnosis of a Brainstem Glioma. After 21 months, Juan lost his battle.

Dealing with the pain of this loss made Rafael grow up quickly and helped make him the man he is today. It introduced him to American Cancer Society where he is a camp counselor and helps other siblings deal with the pain of cancer.

His goal is to graduate college with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering.