Fairhaven Man Loses Wife to Cancer, Cares for Autistic Son Alone

With the help of United Way of Greater New Bedford, Holiday Wish Week has returned to Fun 107. All week long, we're spotlighting local families that have had a hard year in the hope of making the holidays a little brighter for them.

Today, we shine a light on the De La Paz family in Fairhaven -- a father and son overcome with grief.

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Javier's Story

In April of this year, Javier De La Paz's wife was diagnosed with brain cancer. She died in September. while De La Paz navigates the mourning process, he is left to care for his son who has autism and ADHD.

De La Paz's son, Noah, has had a difficult time with his mother's passing. Javier said his wife was the ultimate mother and was present for every event and moment.

Noah is mostly nonverbal, but every so often, he will tell his father "I miss mom." Or he'll ask, "Mom's coming home?"

For Javier, this has been the most difficult part.

How to Help the De La Paz Family

Javier is an extremely humble man and struggles to ask for help, but that's where the community comes in.

The family could use some help with home repairs, but mostly Javier could use assistance with his mortgage and other bills. He has been on medical leave since April, trying to stay afloat and be there for his son.

Javier is riding the wave of grief as he continues to mourn his wife. His son is left confused as to why his mom is no longer around. This family needs the community's help to pull them out of a dark place and into a brighter future.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES22 to 26989. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union St., Suite 105, New Bedford, MA, 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card here. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact United Way directly.