You know those people that when they walk into a room, they look brighter than everyone else around them? They have a rare glow... a feeling that puts you at ease just being in their presence. Angela is one of those people. Her infectious humor and her smile have been an incredible part of many lives…sharing the joys of parenthood, and developing friendships that transcend most (which are almost exclusively the types of friendships that Angela cultivates because of her magnetic personality…I’m delighted for everyone that is lucky enough to know her).


My eldest daughter started Kindergarten with Angela's daughter Isabella back in 2010, and they are now in 7th grade together, sharing life’s middle school trials and rollercoaster emotions. The only difference between my daughter and Isabella, is that Isabella has not just the onset of adolescence on her mind, but she’s also shouldering the emotional load of helping her intensely brave mother battle cancer. Angela's kids are growing into amazing little humans, growing stronger with every hurdle they see their mom conquer.

Angela was diagnosed several years ago with breast cancer, and by the time they were able to surgically remove some of it, it had already spread. She is still in treatment and has come a very long way, down immensely tough roads. They have included tumors on her spine, broken vertebrae, chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous surgeries.

Her path is far from over, however. She continues to fight the illness raging inside her, and because she has the grit of a fisherman on "Deadliest Catch", she will continue to say "Screw you" to this cancer...and because she is more powerful than anyone else I know, she will beat this disease with a gorgeous smile on her face and grace in her step.


Her husband, Jorge, is working as many jobs as he is able to... a mathematics professor and tech whiz that works days AND nights to support Angela’s treatment and pay the bills. His burden is felt by everyone that exists in their community, and I know so many people that would do anything to help out, if they were given the chance. Well here is that chance.

There is an ongoing need to help out the Guarins, because of the nature of the treatment. Medical insurance itself is over $900 a month, and the medicine costs around $200 a WEEK... and of course, the most ridiculous thing of all: her cancer treatment is covered by insurance, but ONLY at the CTCA in Chicago. So every scan that needs to be done, every treatment...is accompanied by a long and expensive trip to Chicago every few months.

Of course, any amount you're able to give would help tremendously...and if you're able to give again next month or the month after, that would be an incredible miracle. 

Thank you SO much for taking the time to read about Angela and her family. This community is a brighter place because of her and it is up to us to protect the good things in this world. I can think of no greater thing in this world than being able to give to my lovely friend.