LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) — A Leesburg family is on a mission to send their terminally ill father back to Mexico for one final goodbye.

Epifanio Ibarra, 59, was diagnosed with stage four non-small cell lung cancer in March 2026, his daughter, Elizabeth Carter, said. The cancer has spread to his bones and brain, and doctors have given him six to 12 months to live.

Final wish to see family in Mexico

Ibarra became a resident of the United States in 1990. He has lived in Americus and Leesburg since then, but his entire immediate family — his sisters, aunts and uncles — still lives in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The cost of travel has kept him from visiting more often.

Throughout his decades in the U.S., he went seven to 10 years at a time without seeing his family. It has been four years since he last saw them.

Now, with his time uncertain, he wants to say goodbye. “I want to feel their comfort and their closeness, their love,” Ibarra said. “And that’s all I want, to go see them and say goodbye to them.”

Ibarra said he is not afraid of dying but is scared of leaving his daughter. “Daddy’s job never stops, regardless of age. It never stops,” he said.

Carter said her father has been her primary support system throughout her life. He has worked in mechanics and helped many people in Americus. Now, she said, it is her turn to help him.

“What they need to remember is, even though [the family] is going to lose the loved one ... the person they are losing is also going through it,” Carter said. “And all they are asking for is your love and support and understanding.”

Ibarra is staying with Carter’s family in Leesburg to be closer to his treatments. Carter said her faith is what is getting the family through this time.

“I just hope it’s a bunch of people. They come to support with a softened heart,” Ibarra said.

Ibarra urged people to get screened for cancer. “Because you never know when you’re going to get it,” he said.

Ibarra has completed radiation and will begin chemotherapy on Friday, April 17.

“I’ve been a Christian man most of my life. And I believe in the Bible,” Ibarra said. “I know my Father in Heaven will take care of it. I got hope.”

Family launches fundraising efforts

What started as a devastating diagnosis has turned into a mission. Carter and her family have launched multiple fundraising efforts to cover medical expenses and fulfill her father’s final wish of returning to Mexico.

The family is selling “Faith Over Fear” bracelets in multiple colors for $5. The centerpiece of their efforts is a community barbecue benefit May 2 at 2 p.m. at Reese Park in Americus, with plates ranging from $8 to $10. The event will include a raffle with items donated by local businesses and community members.

How to help

Those who want to support Ibarra and his family have several ways to help.

Community Barbecue Benefit: May 2 at 2 p.m. at Reese Park in Americus. Barbecue plates are $8–$10 and include meat, two sides and dessert. A raffle featuring items donated by local businesses will also be held. The event is open to the public. Raffle item donations are accepted through April 30.

Food Orders: The family is taking orders for Boston butt ($35), cheesecakes ($20), slabs of ribs ($20) and pork tamales (10 for $20). Orders are available for pickup on April 26 at the Publix in Leesburg. Delivery is available for $10. A ticket stub is required at pickup.

“Faith Over Fear” Bracelets: Available for $5 each. The bracelets feature Joshua 1:9 on the reverse side.

Contact: Elizabeth Carter 229-854-9642 | James Carter 229-854-9548 | April McKinley 229-314-5036

GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/standing-with-epifanio-through-his-cancer-battle

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