JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A cancer diagnosis can be daunting for anyone, but for single parents, it can be especially hard.
The founder of the Lone Warrior Foundation knows that firsthand. That's why he launched the nonprofit. It's helping single parents, like breast cancer survivor Gwendolyn Laguna, not only survive but thrive.
“My world just suddenly fell apart because what am I going to do?” Laguna recalled. “Who's going to take care of me because I did not have any family here.”
Laguna's kids were just 3 and 15 when the small lump she noticed last year turned out to be aggressive breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma.
“Being a single mother, you know, dealing with cancer, it was really hard,” Laguna said.
The road in front of her was not an easy one. She underwent chemo, radiation and surgery. But she soon found out she was not alone. She was connected with the Lone Warrior Foundation in Jacksonville.
“In 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal prostate and bone cancer,” Robert Chumbook said. “They gave me three months to live, and I was alone at the time.”
He launched the Lone Warrior Foundation in 2022 to help single parents who are fighting cancer after he overcame cancer as a single dad raising his daughter. He followed through on a promise he made to her.
"When I was originally diagnosed, I was going to do three things. I was going to walk her down the aisle. I was going to meet my grandsons, and I was going do something to help change the world and make the life better," Chumbook said.
As he embarked on a mission to make a difference and let single parents fighting cancer know they are not alone, he was diagnosed with cancer again.
“In October of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 4, terminal prostate and bone cancer again. I had 11 tumors, six bone tumors and five lymph node tumors. The diagnosis was I had six months, maybe at most 12 months to live. So, I went and started a whole second battle while I'm trying to start the foundation,” Chumbook said. “Four months later, I was diagnosed with a second cancer. I had two Stage 4 terminal cancers at the same time, completely different...By the grace of God, I am still here. There is absolutely no other explanation.”
He and Laguna are now both cancer-free, sharing their stories to give others hope and connect them to a supportive community and financial resources through the Lone Warrior Foundation.
“We are open and welcome to everybody. It doesn't matter what type of cancer you have. Unfortunately, the majority of our recipients have breast cancer, and the scary part is they're very young and they have young children,” Chumbook said.
The Lone Warrior Assistance Fund provides recipients with $500 a month for up to four months while they are in active treatment. Laguna said the foundation not only provided her with financial support but also with a great emotional support system.
“I found a family in them,” Laguna said.
It has helped her get a new start by helping her launch a new business.
“Now I have my own cleaning business called Miss G Housekeeping and Cleaning Services,” Laguna said.
Her business includes cleaning the homes of cancer patients she gets to encourage, and she is now volunteering with the Lone Warrior Foundation helping to interview recipients.
“It's an amazing experience for me because I get to talk to them. I can relate to them,” Laguna said. “Just giving them hope. If there's any reason why cancer happened to me, I think this is purpose. I think I've found my purpose. “
The Lone Warrior Foundation is accepting applications from single parents battling cancer who need financial help. They currently have a waitlist and need more volunteers and supporters. If you're interested in helping or applying for help visit their website.