On July 31, 2016, 8-year-old Gabriel Blanco woke up next to his momma and was not able to wake her up. He was sleeping in the same bed with her, as he usually did, whenever his dad was away for work. Mara Fernandez-Schultz had passed away in her sleep that night, at the age of 37.

Mara was a very loving and devoted mother who was filled with hopes and dreams for her bright, beautiful little boy. She and Gabriel had never been apart, aside from work and school. Now he is faced with having to grow up without her loving care and support.

Gabriel's dad, Arturo, has now taken on the role of sole caretaker of his son. His work required him to spend a lot of time up north, in the Chico, CA area. His time will now be spent almost exclusively in Salinas, where Mara worked as a local court interpreter, while their house is sold.

In the wake of this family's tragic loss, I would like to honor Mara's memory by helping realize those dreams that she had for her little boy, in setting up this fund to help support him. All donations will go to benefit Gabriel's present and future needs. No amount is too little, and no amount is too much.

As a close friend and colleague of Mara's, I thank you all for your donations.