Rudy's Legacy
The Loss of The Founder of Rudy’s Tacos and of Our Dad, Grandpa and Friend
Every year, Rudy’s Tacos raises money and awareness for prostate cancer. Rudy’s is happy to give back to the community we love, yet this cause is profoundly personal to us. We lost Rudy Quijas, founder of Rudy’s Tacos, at age 55 from prostate cancer. Rudy fought cancer bravely, and he was dedicated to leaving a legacy of saving lives by promoting early detection.
Early Testing Saves Lives
“My father wanted us to promote early prostate testing,” says Kevin Quijas, co-owner of Rudy’s corporate. “That way other families could avoid the premature loss of a loved one. As we know, prostate cancer is very manageable if it is detected early.” Losing Rudy at such a young age has a lasting impact on his family, friends and everyone at Rudy’s Tacos. Continuing to encourage early detection is one way we can honor his wishes and carry his message forward.
Who Should Have a Prostate Screening?
It’s recommended you have a Prostate Screening if:
- You are a male 50 or older, with no family history of prostate cancer
- You are a male 40 years or older with a high risk of developing prostate cancer
High risk individuals include African Americans and men who have one or more relatives (father, brother, son or uncle) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
Contact Urological Associates of the Quad Cities Region to get tested.
Early Testing Saves Lives
“My father wanted us to promote early prostate testing,” says Kevin Quijas, co-owner of Rudy’s corporate. “That way other families could avoid the premature loss of a loved one. As we know, prostate cancer is very manageable if it is detected early.” Losing Rudy at such a young age has a lasting impact on his family, friends and everyone at Rudy’s Tacos. Continuing to encourage early detection is one way we can honor his wishes and carry his message forward.Who Should Have a Prostate Screening?
It’s recommended you have a Prostate Screening if:- You are a male 50 or older, with no family history of prostate cancer
- You are a male 40 years or older with a high risk of developing prostate cancer
Money Should Not Be a Deterrent to Getting Tested
Promoting awareness is part of the legacy of Rudy Quijas. Another part of that legacy is helping ensure all men who are eligible to get screened, can do so regardless of their financial status. Money should not be a deterrent. This is why Rudy’s hosts events to raise money and awareness.
How You Can help?
Helping us continue Rudy’s mission can be as simple as starting a conversation. Encourage the men in your life to know their risk, talk to their doctor and get screened when appropriate.
We can fight this disease together by…
- Spreading awareness of how early detection does save lives
- Donating to Zero Prostate Cancer to help fellow Quad Citizens
- Scheduling an appointment, if you’re eligible for a screening
Money Should Not Be a Deterrent to Getting Tested
Promoting awareness is part of the legacy of Rudy Quijas. Another part of that legacy is helping ensure all men who are eligible to get screened, can do so regardless of their financial status. Money should not be a deterrent. This is why Rudy’s hosts events to raise money and awareness.How You Can help?
Helping us continue Rudy’s mission can be as simple as starting a conversation. Encourage the men in your life to know their risk, talk to their doctor and get screened when appropriate. We can fight this disease together by…- Spreading awareness of how early detection does save lives
- Donating to Zero Prostate Cancer to help fellow Quad Citizens
- Scheduling an appointment, if you’re eligible for a screening
The Legacy of Rudy Quijas
Rudy Quijas had the opportunity to do a lot for this community, even though his passing was so early. He was an Air Force Veteran and a member of the East Davenport Turners, Elks Lodge 298 and Davenport Moose Lodge. Rudy sponsored many athletic events and teams including Little League and softball teams, the Rudy’s Golf Tournament, Mexican American traveling basketball and fast pitch softball teams. He enjoyed golf, family events and entertaining friends.
Although Rudy’s life was cut far too short, the impact he made on his family and the Quad Cities community continues today. Every September, we honor his memory by continuing the message that mattered so much to him: get screened, know your risk and don’t wait. If sharing Rudy’s story encourages even one man to get tested earlier, it could give another family something ours wishes we had more of…time.