Gabriel, left, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with the costs of his brother’s cancer treatments. Augusto, right, doing what he does best. Photos: Left, Red Bull, Right Villaran family
Gabriel Villaran has made a career out of excelling in some of the heaviest, most terrifying waves in the world. He’s taken on the likes of Jaws, Pipeline, and Puerto Escondido, among others. But those gargantuan waves are now dwarfed by the challenge that he and his family face. Gabriel’s older brother, Augusto, also an avid surfer, has been diagnosed with cancer and they’re now calling on others for help.
Gabriel recently created a crowdfunder to help pay for treatment of his brother’s diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. In the crowdfunder Villaran explains that while it’s a slow developing form of cancer, there is the risk that it can transform into a more aggressive cancer that would be difficult to treat, so it’s important to get the proper treatment as soon as possible.
Both brothers grew up in the Peruvian surf town of Punta Hermosa. Gabriel credits Augusto as one of the people who taught him the art of surfing and that no one is more deserving of help in this difficult moment.
“My brother is a Peruvian charger legend (who) during his life has traveled the world surfing,” Gabriel said in the crowdfunder. “If you have ever crossed his path or met him, inside or outside the ocean, you will have been able to realize how good and pleasant a person he is, always willing to share good moments, laugh, tell stories, have a good time, meet new people, make friends and always respectful in the lineup. My brother Augusto is one of the most giving people I have ever met and we would love to give back to him. We would love for him to live a stress-free couple of months while his recovery lasts and have all of his medical bills taken care of. Please help us in raising funds for one of the best humans ever!”
If you want to support Augusto in his recovery, you can donate to the crowdfunder here.
