Hi, my name is Nate Sontag.  I am raising funds to visit my Mother in Law in Cuba also named Rosa(the same as my wife).  A portion of the funds that does not get spent on travel will be given to Rosa upon my visit.  Thank you for taking the time to read my wife's story(below).

Rosa (“Rosi”) was born in Havana, Cuba on January 4, 1986. Rosa’s parents were Rosa Maria Fontaniaz Rodriguez and Heriberto Diaz Trianas. In her early years Rosa spent a lot of time with her Grandma hanging out while her grandma listened to the local baseball game being broadcast over the radio. Other times she would stay at home while her mother worked feverously making alterations and creative things for the neighborhood. Her mother was well known for doing great work for low prices so she was always busy. People were always stopping by to get something altered or just to talk. Rosa would love to listen to their conversations and hear the latest gossip of the neighborhood. Rosa would also fondly remember her brother Neiver always stealing her last bite of buttered toast and following him around wherever he would go.
Sometime in her late teens two of Rosa’s friends would leave a lasting impact on the rest of her life. The first introduced Rosa to drawing/painting to help quench her growing restlessness. She would continue to paint or draw frequently throughout the rest of her life.
The second took Rosa on a journey outside the city to the countryside where they stayed the night at farm they came across. Rosa became immediately enamored by the surrounding wild life and farm animals. She remembered making eye contact and a deep connection with several of these amazing creatures and upon her return had become vegetarian for the better part of her adult life.
Rosa had friends of all ages and people of all ages were drawn to her.
At the age of 19, despite many restrictions, Rosa came to the United States. After two years Rosa once again became restless and started her first job as a waitress at a local restaurant here in Long Beach. Aggie (The manager who quickly became a friend) gave Rosa a chance even though she had no experience and Rosa was determined to prove herself worthy and useful.
A few months prior to her employment, she met Nate. They ran into each other several times over 6 months. She told Nate where she worked and Nate immediately started showing up every night for just under two weeks before asking her to move in and she accepted.
The two became inseparable.
They made several trips back to Minnesota to be with Nate’s Family who accepted Rosa as their own.
The restaurant closed and Rosa found a new job at a coffee shop closer to her new residents. Once again she was given a chance and was eager to prove herself. Rosa became very close to the (Vargas) family that owned and operated the coffee shop and made many good friends while employed there.
Rosa picked up a 2nd job at the building where she lived and started taking classes as Long Beach City College as Nate and she began to plan their lives.
In 2013 Rosa was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In July of 2013 Rosa and Nate took a trip back to Cuba to visit Rosa’s family whom Nate had never met and whom she had not seen in 6 years. It was a bittersweet reunion. Family and friends came by every day to show their love and support. Upon Nate’s Return and unbeknownst to Rosa, Nate quickly made plans and the two were engaged shortly after Rosa’s return.
The Palliative team that was treating Rosa’s illness led by Dr. Vora added Rosa’s wish of a wedding to their “bucket list” program. With the help of Dr. Vora, the Palliative care team, Nate’s Mom and many generous donors, Rosa and Nate were married on Sept. 7th, 2013.
Rosa would spend most of the next six months in the hospital where she once again made many friends with her lovable, gracious and caring personality. She was released from the hospital and spent her last weeks with her husband Nate and mother-in-law, Lynn.
Rosa and her mother spoke on the phone very frequently as their being separated during this tough and terrible time was out of their hands. Their relationship like all of Rosa’s meaningful relationships, shared a love that most can only dream of and perhaps this is a testament to the person she was.