Walter Jesús Villegas Guevara gazes up at the towering skyscrapers of Chicago’s Loop, marveling at their height, having only seen them in pictures before.
His twin brother, José Jesús Villegas Guevara, humorously remarks about one of the buildings being so tall that it’s pushing into the clouds, as the siblings wear matching orange shirts.
The twins, at just 19 years old, have faced immense challenges over the past few years. In Peru, Walter was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer that does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.
As the tumor in his right leg grew, Walter underwent an above-the-knee amputation. Last year, José’s health took a worrying turn when doctors discovered two tumors on his right leg that require ongoing monitoring, according to medical records shared with Block Club.
In March, the brothers and their mother traveled to the United States seeking better medical care to address their serious health concerns.
Thanks to the support of Chicago’s Peruvian community, the family arrived in the Windy City last Thursday, continuing their lengthy journey through a series of doctor’s appointments, difficult diagnoses, and hospitalizations.
Despite their harrowing experiences, Walter and José have found strength in each other.
“When we are together, it’s all laughs,” José said, sharing how their bond has helped them cope with their circumstances.
Walter added, “I couldn’t have done this without my brother. He is my partner.”
Walter is determined to make the most of his time, studying architecture at the prestigious Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería back in Peru, where he won design competitions.
Unfortunately, he had to suspend his in-person classes due to health complications, but he emphasizes the importance of not giving up.
In their home country, the family faced a fraught healthcare system, compounded by misdiagnoses and delays that jeopardized Walter’s life.
To find better care and potentially life-saving treatment, they launched a fundraising campaign to support their trip to the U.S.
Their mother, María Isabel Guevara Taco, expressed a hopeful outlook despite the grim prognosis for Walter, stating that doctors deemed his cancer terminal after it spread to his lungs.
“Doctors have said now it’s just about maintaining his quality of life. But he loves life, and I’ll do anything I can to get a second opinion,” she said.
Alongside seeking treatment for Walter, funds raised will also help evaluate José, who is at risk of developing the same type of aggressive cancer as his twin brother.
Sara Izquierdo, director of the Mobile Migrant Health Team, has been instrumental in launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise essential funds, targeting a goal of $20,000 to cover the boys’ medical expenses.
As of Wednesday, the campaign was nearing $4,540.
The community rallied around the family, with the Consulate General of Peru in Chicago also raising funds, showcasing the strong support network within the local Peruvian diaspora.
On Thursday evening, the family enjoyed a meal at Taste of Peru in Rogers Park, owned by César Izquierdo, father of Sara Izquierdo—a comforting taste of home after months of being away.
While they navigated the healthcare landscape, the twins experienced the generosity of strangers and locals alike.
During their time in Minnesota for evaluations at the Mayo Clinic, a Peruvian contact connected them with a prosthetics company.
Limb Lab generously donated a leg prosthesis, enabling Walter to regain mobility.
EA Therapeutic Health, a clinic in Minnesota, assisted him with physical therapy, which he found transformative.
“It is beyond anything I could imagine,” Walter reflected on the kindness they’ve experienced.
The resilience and unity of the Villegas Guevara family have inspired many in both the Peruvian and Peruvian-American communities to support their cause further.
Verónika Bustamante, consul general for the Peruvian consulate in Chicago, praised the family: “They are a great example of resilience and faith.”
To further their fundraising efforts, the consulate has produced T-shirts reading “From Chicago to Chiclayo,” referencing the family’s hometown in Peru, and the notable town associated with Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native who served as bishop there for eight years.
For those wishing to donate to help Walter and José continue their fight against cancer and receive the medical care they need, visit the released GoFundMe page.
image source from：blockclubchicago
