Future Students

The Rubin Valverde Story

Rubin Valverde grew up in Colton, California in the early 80s and dreamed of becoming a firefighter. It’s a common dream for youngsters attracted to glistening red fire engines, helmets and sirens. For many, that dream fades, but for Rubin it was just temporarily delayed.

While he didn’t receive the firefighting training he wanted in the Air Force, that didn’t stop him from serving for 7 years at Travis Air Force Base.

Once out of uniform his life was filled with challenges no one would ever want to face. In 2014 Rubin was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer. It would spread to his liver, lungs and lymph nodes. He would develop meningitis and spend 8 weeks in an ICU at Loma Linda Veterans Hospital where he was not expected to survive. His strength and determination, along with the excellent care he received, contributed to an outcome deemed by many as nothing short of miraculous. Once out of the hospital he explored a variety of careers.

He worked in a warehouse, tried real estate, became a personal trainer and created a line of faith-based gym apparel. But the lure of service remained, and that dream of becoming a firefighter was re-ignited.

Despite being in his 40s, Rubin was once again drawn to the red fire engine, the opportunity to serve, the understanding of sacrifice. No one was surprised when life put yet another obstacle in his way. He couldn’t afford the tuition. The Crafton Hills College Foundation stepped in and kept his dream from going up in smoke.

Rubin Valverde has served his country, conquered formidable diseases and conditions, and is now ready to put his life on the line to save others. Rubin Valverde exemplifies their class motto “all grit and no quit”.

Every day the CHC Foundation helps students like Rubin Valverde. He almost lost his life, but now, thanks to people like you who donated, he’s training to save them.