Public school teacher Rodney Pama has been a treasure to so many whom his work and his generosity have touched. I personally know Mr. Pama from the years he was my older brother Bryan’s roommate in Tamuning, back when Rod was a new teacher. He was there for my brother when Bryan’s first child, Tyler, was born with multiple kidney and liver issues. In those days, Tyler’s treatment to save her life could not be found in Guam, so she and her parents had to live in Hawaii for months to get her life-saving treatment. Rod was there for them, holding down the fort back home and being part of our family forever.
We are not the only family with personal testimony about Rod’s love and charity. Hundreds – perhaps thousands – of his students, friends, and family can tell you story after story of how he helped them to be better people.
Rod now faces his own challenge. He has been diagnosed with late-stage cancer at an age yet to mature into retirement from the government of Guam, which he has served as a teacher for decades now. He needs aggressive treatment and care that will cost money. His sister, Cheryl Pama Erceg, started a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help Rod offset these financial burdens.
Here is the page: https://gofund.me/82ab6d86
This is what Ms. Erceg wrote about her brother on that page:
Hi, I am Cheryl Pama Erceg, the oldest sister of Rodney Pama. On behalf of our family, it is with a heavy heart that my siblings Ron, Char, and I share this story about our brother.
On January 28, we received news that our brother Rodney has stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. This diagnosis has shaken all of us. Rodney has always been a fighter, and he will face this challenge with immense courage and determination.
Rodney has never asked for much. For several years, my brother has been our mother’s immediate caretaker, who is going through severe health issues and is bedridden. Rodney has sacrificed so much of his time to take on the role of caring for our mother, and he does it with no complaints or regret. He has been selfless and dedicated in putting our mom’s well-being before his own.
As a teacher and coach for Untalan Middle School and Tiyan High School, he has devoted his life to inspiring and mentoring his students both in the classroom and on the court. His passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom. His students and athletes look to him as a mentor, father figure, and inspiration as he helps them navigate through school and life. His ability to connect with young people, empower them, and help them realize their true potential is a gift my siblings and I have long admired. He has balanced these roles as a caring son, brother, uncle, and teacher with grace and love. Now, the biggest challenge and fight is upon him, and now is the time to support and help him win this battle.
Rodney’s medical journey will be an emotional and financial toll on him, and we want to ease these pressures while he fights for his life.
Ron, Char, and I have seen the sacrifice he has made for our mom and for his students. We humbly ask you to help us lift him up and help him fight in return by helping us ease the financial strain so he can focus on his recovery. Whether it’s a donation, support, prayers, or words of encouragement, every little bit counts and will mean the world to my brother and our family.
Thank you for letting us share his story. We thank you all for your kindness and support. Rodney is ready to fight! We ask that you help us fight with him!
With love and gratitude,
Cheryl, Ron, and Char
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