PanchoBilla enters Hospice (Has now passed away)

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

On 4/16/2019 at 2:36 PM, T master said:

Praying for Pancho !!?

Amen!!

[zow2]

13 hours ago, BuffAlone said:

I wish I didn't hear Zo say "goodbye brother"

?

 

He said - Hey brother at the beginning and signed off at the end with bye brother.  I didn't take it as awkward or insensitive.  It was Zo signing off.  But whatever, there's not a right way to handle this.   Many years ago my college buddy died from cancer at age 26.  I was in denial that he was that sick until the day his mom called me and said he was gone,, I never said goodbye. 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

5 minutes ago, zow2 said:

 

He said - Hey brother at the beginning and signed off at the end with bye brother.  I didn't take it as awkward or insensitive.  It was Zo signing off.  But whatever, there's not a right way to handle this.   Many years ago my college buddy died from cancer at age 26.  I was in denial that he was that sick until the day his mom called me and said he was gone,, I never said goodbye. 

how I saw it as well. 

[BuffAlone]

19 minutes ago, zow2 said:

 

He said - Hey brother at the beginning and signed off at the end with bye brother.  I didn't take it as awkward or insensitive.  It was Zo signing off.  But whatever, there's not a right way to handle this.   Many years ago my college buddy died from cancer at age 26.  I was in denial that he was that sick until the day his mom called me and said he was gone,, I never said goodbye. 

I can relate. Its just never easy to say goodbye

[BuffaloBill]

These situations are so hard and so personal.  It may be even harder for young players who have not seen a ton of this sort of situation in their lives.  Like many twenty something year olds players are still in the we (all people around me that are near my age) are invincible.  It’s not until people your age or even younger start to pass that you realize the notion of invincibility is full of holes.

 

 

[mead107]

On 4/28/2019 at 1:40 PM, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

 

Awesome everyone. ????

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

                                                               https://www.facebook.com/pancho.billa.37/                

                           

                                                                       

                                            ? my heart is filled ??❤! Thank you Amigos! #PanchoPower

[Rhode Island Red]

I’m amazed that this board hasn’t exploded this go fund me campaign. 

 

$45K in 16 months?

 

am I missing something here?  

 

A few days ago when I saw that he was going into hospice, I dug up the  link from the first page, and donated my pittance.  Kind of did it in a hurry, and didn’t really look at the numbers, just assumed that this would be at least the equivalent of the Andy Dalton charity thing, or perhaps an even bigger blockbuster. Checked back today to see how he’s doing, and then thought of checking out the fund more carefully...and was a little disappointed, I guess. 

 

 

[LSHMEAB]

1 minute ago, Rhode Island Red said:

I’m amazed that this board hasn’t exploded this go fund me campaign. 

 

$45K in 16 months?

 

am I missing something here?  

 

A few days ago when I saw that he was going into hospice, I dug up the  link from the first page, and donated my pittance.  Kind of did it in a hurry, and didn’t really look at the numbers, just assumed that this would be at least the equivalent of the Andy Dalton charity thing, or perhaps an even bigger blockbuster. Checked back today to see how he’s doing, and then thought of checking out the fund more carefully...and was a little disappointed, I guess. 

 

 

Not to be insensitive, but is money really going to help at this point? Seems to me that he is in the best possible place given the circumstances and it's now in "God's" hands.

[One Buffalo]

 

[bbb]

21 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

Not to be insensitive, but is money really going to help at this point? Seems to me that he is in the best possible place given the circumstances and it's now in "God's" hands.

 

Actually, it's for his kids' education, I think...................Next time I see a link, I'm going to give something.  

[BUFFALOKIE]

On 4/25/2019 at 9:28 PM, holla83 said:

Does anybody know how or why he became a Bills fan? He is from Texas, right? Always curious how out of towners become Bills fans.

Talking out my ass.. The Logo is really cool. Especially among Hispanic folks, in my experience. 

Again Hispanic, going against the grain (Cowboys) is another possible explanation. 

 

Actually, as a plattsburgh born OKIE, tradition is number 1, but that charging bison logo......I F,'n love it!!!!

[LSHMEAB]

5 minutes ago, BUFFALOKIE said:

Talking out my ass.. The Logo is really cool. Especially among Hispanic folks, in my experience. 

Again Hispanic, going against the grain (Cowboys) is another possible explanation. 

 

Actually, as a plattsburgh born OKIE, tradition is number 1, but that charging bison logo......I F,'n love it!!!!

According to the article I read, he became a Bills fan during those SB years AGAINST the Cowboys. Kind of strange being from Texas. Maybe he's just one of those guys that aligns with the underdog.

[bbb]

9 minutes ago, BUFFALOKIE said:

Talking out my ass.. The Logo is really cool. Especially among Hispanic folks, in my experience. 

Again Hispanic, going against the grain (Cowboys) is another possible explanation. 

 

Actually, as a plattsburgh born OKIE, tradition is number 1, but that charging bison logo......I F,'n love it!!!!

 

I read that his father said something like you're going to be a man, you have to pick a team..............And, the Bills colors were like Mexico's colors (although I just looked up Mexico's colors and it's green, blue??)) so that's who he went with. 

[Gugny]

14 hours ago, BUFFALOKIE said:

Talking out my ass.. The Logo is really cool. Especially among Hispanic folks, in my experience. 

Again Hispanic, going against the grain (Cowboys) is another possible explanation. 

 

Actually, as a plattsburgh born OKIE, tradition is number 1, but that charging bison logo......I F,'n love it!!!!

 

14 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

According to the article I read, he became a Bills fan during those SB years AGAINST the Cowboys. Kind of strange being from Texas. Maybe he's just one of those guys that aligns with the underdog.

 

13 hours ago, bbb said:

 

I read that his father said something like you're going to be a man, you have to pick a team..............And, the Bills colors were like Mexico's colors (although I just looked up Mexico's colors and it's green, blue??)) so that's who he went with. 

 

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/unmasked-the-man-behind-buffalo-bills-superfan-persona-pancho-billa/71-b498b90c-5e32-40f5-8787-004f7f2a1870

 

Growing up in El Paso, Ezra became a Bills fan in 1986 because he liked the logo and the red, white and blue colors.

"My dad asked, 'Do you even know where New York is?' And I was like, 'Don't care,'" he said.

 

Perhaps it's because red, white and blue are Texas state flag colors???

Edited May 2, 2019 by Gugny

[cd1]

57 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

 

 

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/unmasked-the-man-behind-buffalo-bills-superfan-persona-pancho-billa/71-b498b90c-5e32-40f5-8787-004f7f2a1870

 

Growing up in El Paso, Ezra became a Bills fan in 1986 because he liked the logo and the red, white and blue colors.

"My dad asked, 'Do you even know where New York is?' And I was like, 'Don't care,'" he said.

 

Perhaps it's because red, white and blue are Texas state flag colors???

[KD in CA]

17 hours ago, bbb said:

 

Actually, it's for his kids' education, I think...................Next time I see a link, I'm going to give something.  

 

Hopefully someone is setting it up correctly so the money doesn't end up in his estate and used to pay medical bills.

[bbb]

3 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

 

 

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/unmasked-the-man-behind-buffalo-bills-superfan-persona-pancho-billa/71-b498b90c-5e32-40f5-8787-004f7f2a1870

 

Growing up in El Paso, Ezra became a Bills fan in 1986 because he liked the logo and the red, white and blue colors.

"My dad asked, 'Do you even know where New York is?' And I was like, 'Don't care,'" he said.

 

Perhaps it's because red, white and blue are Texas state flag colors???

 

I read it here:

It was his father who had challenged the young Castro to pick an NFL team, decades ago. The little boy responded by choosing Buffalo, whose colors most closely matched the Mexican flag.

https://buffalonews.com/2019/04/18/pancho-billa-ezra-castro-cancer-buffalo-bills-fan-bills-mafia/  

[Gugny]

12 minutes ago, bbb said:

 

I read it here:

It was his father who had challenged the young Castro to pick an NFL team, decades ago. The little boy responded by choosing Buffalo, whose colors most closely matched the Mexican flag.

https://buffalonews.com/2019/04/18/pancho-billa-ezra-castro-cancer-buffalo-bills-fan-bills-mafia/  

 

So now we need to merge this with the "Are You Colorblind?" thread???  (I keed.  I keed.)

[Warcodered]

 

[MAJBobby]

I challenge any Professional Sports team to have a connection to their fan base like this Team and this current organization has with the Bills Fans.

[BillsFan4]

On 4/26/2019 at 2:25 PM, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

This has probably been posted elsewhere already, but wanted to link to the go fund me for Pancho & his family that was set up by the Houston Bills Backers:

 

https://www.gofundme.com/pancho-power

 

If this isn't a good cause, I don't know what is. We open our wallets everyday for inconsequential things, this one would mean something.  

Bump 

[bbb]

Thanks for bumping the link!  

[Beast]

On 4/30/2019 at 7:58 PM, Rhode Island Red said:

I’m amazed that this board hasn’t exploded this go fund me campaign. 

 

$45K in 16 months?

 

am I missing something here?  

 

A few days ago when I saw that he was going into hospice, I dug up the  link from the first page, and donated my pittance.  Kind of did it in a hurry, and didn’t really look at the numbers, just assumed that this would be at least the equivalent of the Andy Dalton charity thing, or perhaps an even bigger blockbuster. Checked back today to see how he’s doing, and then thought of checking out the fund more carefully...and was a little disappointed, I guess. 

 

 

 

So why didn’t you give more money?

[AmishRifle]

Any updates?

[Hapless Bills Fan]

On 5/1/2019 at 4:56 PM, bbb said:

Actually, it's for his kids' education, I think...................Next time I see a link, I'm going to give something.  

 

It's been made clear that all fundraising on this board goes through SDS, he has to clear it. 

But why wait to see a link, go to GoFundMe and search for Pancho Billa. 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

"PANCHO UPDATE: Today (Sunday) I was able to visit with Ezra in the hospital. Contrary to what Ezra and Ronnie wanted, it was a mutual decision to remain in the hospital hospice care. Unfortunately, home hospice wouldn't be 24/7 which is what he needs as his lungs heal.

 

His spirits are AWESOME as always, Between the medicine he's taking and the machine he's hooked up on, he's getting oxygen to the blood and brain. It's just going to be time before his lungs can heal and then begin his cancer treatment again.

 

Ezra appreciates all the love and prayers (and the wings & loganberry I brought him today). He also appreciates and welcomes visitors, just please be mindful that he does need to rest."

https://wyrk.com/send-a-card-to-bills-superfan-pancho-villa-as-he-battles-cancer/

 

Cards can be sent to:

UT Southwestern Clements
6201 Harry Hines Blvd
Room 1139
Dallas, TX 75235

[Heathcliff]

I thought he was in Houston?

[AmishRifle]

@DaBillsFanSince1973 thanks for providing the update.  Much appreciated!

[bbb]

On 5/5/2019 at 12:49 PM, BillsFan4 said:

Bump 

 

On 5/5/2019 at 1:16 PM, bbb said:

Thanks for bumping the link!  

 

21 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

It's been made clear that all fundraising on this board goes through SDS, he has to clear it. 

But why wait to see a link, go to GoFundMe and search for Pancho Billa. 

 

Because I knew I'd see the link again, and I didn't know where to look............I gave when I saw the link. 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

 

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

 

[Billsfansinceday1]

On 5/6/2019 at 3:46 PM, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

"PANCHO UPDATE: Today (Sunday) I was able to visit with Ezra in the hospital. Contrary to what Ezra and Ronnie wanted, it was a mutual decision to remain in the hospital hospice care. Unfortunately, home hospice wouldn't be 24/7 which is what he needs as his lungs heal.

 

His spirits are AWESOME as always, Between the medicine he's taking and the machine he's hooked up on, he's getting oxygen to the blood and brain. It's just going to be time before his lungs can heal and then begin his cancer treatment again.

 

Ezra appreciates all the love and prayers (and the wings & loganberry I brought him today). He also appreciates and welcomes visitors, just please be mindful that he does need to rest."

https://wyrk.com/send-a-card-to-bills-superfan-pancho-villa-as-he-battles-cancer/

 

Cards can be sent to:

UT Southwestern Clements
6201 Harry Hines Blvd
Room 1139
Dallas, TX 75235

I am confused.  I am very much hoping that there is a path to recovery for Pancho but that is not how hospice is designed.  If the belief is that he can recover from his current respiratory issues and resume cancer treatments, then that sounds more like palliative care. Either way, best wishes to the #1 Bills fan.

[BeginnersMind]

1 hour ago, Billsfansinceday1 said:

I am confused.  I am very much hoping that there is a path to recovery for Pancho but that is not how hospice is designed.  If the belief is that he can recover from his current respiratory issues and resume cancer treatments, then that sounds more like palliative care. Either way, best wishes to the #1 Bills fan.

 

Some people leave hospice care. It is not, as someone posted earlier, always a last place to receive care, although it can be. 

Edited May 12, 2019 by BeginnersMind

[Billsfansinceday1]

8 minutes ago, BeginnersMind said:

 

Some people leave hospice care. It is not, as someone posted earlier, always a last place to receive care, although it can be. 

Right.  I have a lot of professional and personal experience with hospice and have known quite a few who have left hospice.  It is definitely not a decision that is set in stone.  

[NoSaint]

1 hour ago, Billsfansinceday1 said:

I am confused.  I am very much hoping that there is a path to recovery for Pancho but that is not how hospice is designed.  If the belief is that he can recover from his current respiratory issues and resume cancer treatments, then that sounds more like palliative care. Either way, best wishes to the #1 Bills fan.

 

I believe, if I’m not mistaken, that’s both an old update and also simply posted by a well meaning friend. I wouldn’t hang on every word of it.

[Billsfansinceday1]

1 minute ago, NoSaint said:

 

I believe, if I’m not mistaken, that’s both an old update and also simply posted by a well meaning friend. I wouldn’t hang on every word of it.

Thanks for this. It is on at least 2 Bills boards so I am probably not the only one who interpreted this as a classic hospice referral.  I hope it is, in fact, a step on the road to recovery.

[Steve O]

3 hours ago, BeginnersMind said:

 

Some people leave hospice care. It is not, as someone posted earlier, always a last place to receive care, although it can be. 

At least in Rochester, hospice is comfort care only. A nurse and possibly a social worker determines if you qualify. Initial term is 3 months, after which there is another evaluation, and another one every month after. Once it is determined that the patient is improving, they no longer qualify. My father actually was on in home hospice 5 different times between the ages of 97 and 100. Palliative care does allow for some level of medical intervention.

[cba fan]

54 minutes ago, Steve O said:

At least in Rochester, hospice is comfort care only. A nurse and possibly a social worker determines if you qualify. Initial term is 3 months, after which there is another evaluation, and another one every month after. Once it is determined that the patient is improving, they no longer qualify. My father actually was on in home hospice 5 different times between the ages of 97 and 100. Palliative care does allow for some level of medical intervention.

same in IL.

 

Once in hospice patient is weened off all meds except pain meds. 

Death follows very soon for those on critical meds.

 

From what has been written. It appears Billa had to go hospice because he needed 24/7 care due to chemo compromised his lungs. If his lungs improve he may go off hospice and return to chemo. This would be a miracle in itself. I hope he becomes a hospice survivor. ??

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

50 minutes ago, cba fan said:

same in IL.

 

Once in hospice patient is weened off all meds except pain meds. 

Death follows very soon for those on critical meds.

 

From what has been written. It appears Billa had to go hospice because he needed 24/7 care due to chemo compromised his lungs. If his lungs improve he may go off hospice and return to chemo. This would be a miracle in itself. I hope he becomes a hospice survivor. ??

this is how I interpreted the update. hopes are they may (lungs) heal enough to leave hospice?

 

Fan petition urges Bills to sign Pancho Billa to one-day contract

https://buffalonews.com/2019/05/12/fan-petition-urges-bills-to-sign-pancho-billa-to-one-day-contract/

 

 

The one-day contract has gained in popularity in recent years for teams to honor longtime players who wish to officially retire with a particular team. For example, Buffalo running back Fred Jackson signed a one-day contract in April 2018 to retire with the Bills.

 

Pancho Billa, whose real name is Ezra Castro, is in hospice care in Houston for cancer that began with a mass around his spine and spread into other organs, including his liver and lungs.

Edited May 12, 2019 by DaBillsFanSince1973