FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A South Florida father and daughter are leaning on each other after both were diagnosed with cancer just a month apart.

“My dad is the strongest man. That’s how I see him,” Alicia Amador said.

In August 2025, 64-year-old Eugenio Amador was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He said the diagnosis was difficult, but he focused on staying mentally strong.

“Most people, when they have cancer, you know, they get very devastated about the news,” Eugenio said. “And that’s one of the things that really does mess you up, more is the mindset of a person.”

The first person he called was his daughter.

“I remember waking up and I got the phone call and I wanted to break down my door,” Alicia said. “It was difficult, and you know, that was not the greatest news.”

But just one month later, the family faced another diagnosis.

Alicia, 39, learned she had ovarian cancer.

“I called my father. I cried like a little baby to my dad,” she said. “He was the only person I cried to that I had cancer.”

The U.S. military veteran began treatment afterwards, documenting parts of the journey, including the moment she received a chemotherapy port.

Eugenio said the news helped his resolve to stay strong for his daughter.

“I know that I’ll pass that on to them,” he said. “To be able to cope with it.”

Both father and daughter went through chemotherapy and supported each other through the process, often checking in after treatments.

Both finished their treatments last week, marking the moment by ringing the bell at the treatment center.

Now they are sharing their story and participating in cancer awareness walks to encourage others to keep up with medical checkups.

“I never went to the doctor and that’s one thing I want people to know that,” Eugenio said. “It don’t matter how strong you think you are -- go get checked so you don’t have to be in this position.”

Their journey is not over. The family has started a fundraiser to help cover ongoing medical expenses while both remain on medical leave.

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