A familiar face has been missing in the language halls. Spanish professor, Pedro Perdomo was diagnosed back in October of 2010 with rare Lymphoma cancer, so rare that it is only diagnosed in 1 out of every 10 million people. Since his diagnosis, Perdomo has been treated with four different procedures which has helped him to continue his life and will begin chemotherapy on January 27.

“Unfortunately, I had a 90 percent reactivation of the cancer, and the first thing that manifested was a severe fatigue together with other symptoms,” Perdomo said.

After calling his doctor at the UT Southwestern Hospital, Perdomo was able to make an appointment quickly.

“After examining me, he referred me to MD Anderson, my oncologist,” Perdomo said. “After tests, scans, and biopsies, the reactivation of the cancer was confirmed.”

With no more licensed medication being in reach for Perdomo, his oncologist has considered a medical trial for Perdomo to receive a medication that is currently unavailable to the majority of people.

“I’m really close with señor and he was there for me while my mom was sick with cancer so I’m making an effort to be there to support him,” junior Alexis Breazeale said. “It’s hard because there are times where he’s gone and I really miss him while he’s absent.”

Perdomo has been gone a lot recently, leaving his students hoping for the best.

“There are often times where we will have a substitute, because he has appointments, but he’s a wonderful teacher and my favorite teacher,” junior Sydney Carawan said. “I have a lot of faith that he’ll make it through this and my friend Alexis and I pray for him a lot.”

While Perdomo continues his health care treatment, he has hope.

“I have put myself in the Hands of the Lord,” Perdomo said. “I believe He will take care of everything and I will be able to return to my normal life, my work with my students and my fellow teachers soon. That is what I want more.”