Help support Alejandra Santizo's family

Hi everyone. I’m starting this Go Fund Me for the family of Alejandra Santizo, who lived in Antigua, Guatemala and tragically passed away from childbirth complications in November 2024. Let me explain my connection to her.

When I was in third year university in 2004, I did a semester abroad in Guatemala. I stayed with a host family and for the first month, I had 4 hours of intensive one on on Spanish lessons every day. My teacher was a woman named Anabella. She was incredibly sweet and patient with me, and we had an instant connection. We would meet in the morning to do a formal lesson and then would wander the streets of Antigua talking and laughing so I could practice my conversational Spanish, and we became very close. I had family dinners with her in her home with her beautiful family, and when my mom and I returned to Guatemala a few years later, we reconnected with Anabella and her family. We’ve kept in contact ever since, exchanging photos and updates of our lives. 

Anabella has three children: Juan Pablo, Alejandra and Luisiana. When I was in Guatemala, they were just kids. But those sweet kids grew up, and Alejandra, Anabella's middle child, welcomed her son Pablo Javier in 2018. Anabella was thrilled to become a grandmother. Alejandra became pregnant with a second child, also named Alejandra, who was born on Nov 13, 2024. Twelve days after the birth, Alejandra was hospitalized with an infection that took her life. Anabella and her family are reeling from this indescribable loss. 

Now, Anabella is helping to raise her two grandchildren. She has been unable to work as she is caring for an infant while Alejandra’s husband works to try and support the family. It’s not enough. The baby needs formula and diapers, and costs are piling up. 

If you have anything to spare to help support this beautiful family, it would mean the world. This is a family that I know and love, struggling in a country with very few social supports. I will be collecting funds and will send them to Anabella directly. I know times are tough but anything helps, even just sharing this with friends. Thank you!