Richard Reyes, the creator and longtime face of Pancho Claus, has been hospitalized as doctors investigate a mass or cyst in his brain.
In a post on Facebook, Reyes confirms he was told about the mass by a neurosurgeon and was told this is the reason why he keeps experiencing falls, weakness, and numbness on his left side.
Reyes says more tests will be done to determine the nature of the mass and whether or not it is cancerous or how it will be treated.
“I can promise you you’re gonna live for tomorrow, other than that, we’re not sure yet,” Reyes said the neurosurgeon told him.
Reyes is asking the public for help collecting 20,000 toys for children across the Houston-area.
“I can no longer do this by myself and I’m very concerned that we’re not gonna get these 20,000 toys needed,” he said.
He also asks the community to come help and volunteer decorating toy collection boxes on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the organization headquarters located at 390 Glenborough Drive.
Reyes had recently announced this year will be his final performance as Pancho Claus, citing his declining health as well as funding challenges.
He had recently celebrated his 75th birthday and the 45th anniversary of the beloved holiday tradition at the Ripley House.
