Seven years ago, I was introduced to Cristina Vergara. From day one, I knew she was something special and would become a part of the fabric of my life. Her warmness and humility were immediately evident. She became someone I felt very comfortable with within a relatively short period of time. At the end of our very first visit we knew we had made a connection, a special bond. We laughed and hugged as one would do with any close friend or family member. On that day, she felt almost like family to me and today, nearly seven years later, she is family. Cristina is talented in so many ways. Unfortunately, due to health-related complications, she was unable to accomplish all of her dreams. Over the years, Cristina has played an integral part in my life. She came into my life when I was at a crossroad in making major decisions for my business ventures. She helped me to expand by business exponentially and I came to rely on her years of knowledge and experience. Her passion and insights for making things happen were spot on. Her constant support and encouragement were what I needed to be the best version of myself when faced with challenges. During these last seven years, Cristina has become not only a dear friend, but more than that, she has become family. She is loving, trustworthy, reliable, warm, and kind beyond measure. I am forever grateful for our relationship.




Cristina Vergara suffered a stroke in 1999. In 2011 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancer has metastasized to her bones since 2017. Over the years Cristina has participated in multiple trial studies in an attempt to slow down the progression of the cancer. The side effects of these studies have weakened her system significantly and has had a harsh toll on her body. As a result of the failed trial studies, Cristina is now back to receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments. In addition to the cancer, Cristina also suffers from Diabetes. The treatments and medications for both are costly and the insurance only pays a portion of her medical expenses and prescriptions. A few days ago, Cristina was hospitalized and is now receiving dialysis. Her kidneys are not functioning, a side effect from the chemotherapy treatments.




Cristina is a strong willed and very caring woman who has had many misfortunes. Among them, losing her only child at the age of 20 in a terrible car accident, which left her devastated. The only car to get her to the weekly treatments (which is an hour away), has no heat. The advice from the mechanic (after exhausting every possible band-aid repairs) is to get a replacement car, something she simply cannot afford. Cristina is unable to work because of lasting effects from her stroke and cancer. She relies on social security, and the charity of friends and family to assist whenever possible with her growing medical and financial day to day needs.




The Holidays are here, and we are all doing our best to cope with the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. For Cristina, this additional difficulty is especially taxing. Her strength is being tested each and every day, trying to find ways to make ends meet without many resources to rely on. My only hope is that you can find it in your heart to donate anything you can to help my friend Cristina. Anything you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.



 
Marie Romain