Hutchinson food truck giving back after son’s brain tumor diagnosis
By Carolina Loera Lozano
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HUTCHINSON, Kansas (KAKE) — A Hutchinson family says they’ll never forget the community that stood by them during the toughest year of their lives. Now, the owners of a popular local food truck are finding a heartfelt way to give back — one plate at a time.
The Guzmán family, who run Los Mariachis Taqueria, says their young son Gael became suddenly sick last year. Doctors later discovered he had a brain tumor, launching the family into a year marked by surgeries, chemotherapy, and weekly trips to Kansas City.
“That process is difficult because my wife and me… my business close too much for go every week to Kansas City, go back, go back again,” said father Javier Guzmán.
Despite the emotional and financial strain, the family says they were never alone. The Hutchinson community stepped in with donations, prayers, and constant support.
“It’s incredible… the community helped me too much. Everybody called me and I told my wife, it’s incredible why the community help me too much,” Guzmán said.
With Gael now doing well, the family says it’s their turn to return that kindness.
Last Christmas, Javier collected 150 toys to donate to children at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. This year, he’s planning something even bigger.
On November 21, Los Mariachis Taqueria will host a community fundraiser, selling food for one day — cash only — and donating 100% of the proceeds to five local families facing hardship. Guzmán is also inviting other food trucks and businesses to join the effort.
“This project is very important… more people helped me, now we help more families,” he said.
The family hopes the fundraiser becomes a yearly tradition — a reminder that kindness creates a ripple effect.
“Hutchinson… this city is very important for everybody stay together,” Guzmán said.
If you’d like to support or volunteer at the event, details can be found on Los Mariachis Taqueria’s Facebook page.
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