Donna's Memorial Fund

If sunshine came in a human form, it would be Donna Munoz. She was one of the most gracious and generous women to grace the Earth; a walking, talking example of “Live every day like it is your last.” She found joy in every moment of life, and taught others to do the same. Whether it was admiring each flower she passed in the park, thrifting to find great deals, beach vacations, or enjoying a campfire under the stars, she cherished every second she was given.

 

At 62, she was more active than most people are in their 20s. She was our Superwoman.

 

Donna’s time on Earth was far shorter than planned, and the full story is below, but as her family tries to cope with the sudden, tragic loss of the heart of their family, they need our help. The helicopter rescue, trauma center expenses, and other unexpected final costs are an added pressure to the unimaginable reality of losing a wife of 40 years, a selfless mother, and their eternal fountain of inspiration, abundance, and unending love.

 

Donna would have given the shirt off her back and every penny she had to help someone in need. We want to show her family the same kindness and generosity she gave others, so please consider donating; anything helps! It’s up to us to come together and support the Munoz family in their time of need. And before you read about her accident, Donna would want you to remember how she lived more than how she left this world.

 

It was a gorgeous Saturday morning, May 21, 2022, the kind of perfect weather you always hope for but rarely get. Donna had a fun-filled day of dirt bike riding with her family planned and ready to go, down to their picnic lunch. She beamed as the family unloaded their bikes, strapped on their safety gear and posed for photos to commemorate their day together. She recorded videos and giggled to Vanessa “Isn't’ this so fun, I just love this!”

 

They hit the wide-open desert trails near Nelson, NV, reveling in the calm winds and morning sun. It had been years since they had been able to ride with everyone in the family present. But on their way back to refuel, Donna suddenly lost control of her beloved Kawasaki and took a hard fall, immediately losing consciousness. She was evacuated by air to UMC Trauma in Las Vegas where she was placed on a ventilator and awaited further evaluation. Donna would never regain consciousness; she suffered irreversible brain damage among other injuries.

 

But in the face of this unbearable loss, Donna’s family has found a few silver linings: through one final act of selflessness, she donated her organs to give others a second chance at life. The Nevada Organ Organization found recipients for her liver and both kidneys, allowing her to give the gift of life through her own sacrifice.

 

At the time of her death, Donna was at the highest point in her life. She was surrounded by her loving family and had lived with no regrets. Her 62 years in this world has forever changed countless lives and left an imprint of beauty that cannot be erased.

 

100% of your donations will go directly to her husband Ruben of 40 years; her eldest son (Josh), her daughter (Vanessa) and her youngest son (Thunder). She was born in Sylmar, California and has been a resident of Lake Havasu City, AZ since 2001.