UPDATE:

Unfortunately, my mom passed away on the morning of Christmas Eve. It is my heartfelt wish to arrange a beautiful and fitting service that honors her remarkable life and the love she so selflessly gave to others. I will be burying my mom into eternal rest this week and are seeking your generous donations to be able to fulfill this. We are so close to meeting our goal, but not quite there yet! We need one last big push to finalize the full payment! Whether you are able to contribute financially or simply share our story, your support is invaluable. Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season. Much love to all ❤️‍

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Hey guys! I’ve been off the grid, but it’s all for a good reason - my mom! I’ve had the privilege to be alongside my mom over the past few months on the most challenging journey.

For those of you who had the opportunity to know my mom, you’d know that she is an unstoppable, fearless, independent and outrageously gorgeous woman, whose sole purpose in life is to live it to the absolute fullest! Literally! From making the world’s best micheladas and aguachiles, to fighting for the mic during karaoke, singlehandedly raising 5 children, to giving up her plate of food to ensure no one was left without a plate. These are just a few things that embody her charismatic and selfless personality.

This April, my mom was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer in the cervix. Due to multiple hospitalizations and an error in her chemo treatment, there was a quick decline in her health. A few months ago, we received the unfortunate news that her cancer was metastatic in the liver and that she was officially stage 4 in her cancer journey. During a recent hospitalization, a CT scan showed metastasis in the uterus and colon, as well as extensive tumor growth in the cervix. With the cancer existing in multiple places, we have run out of options from a clinical ‘standard of care’ point of view. I am still fighting for alternative treatments, clinical trials and any other possible solution that exists, but I think we both know where this story is heading.

As of 3 days ago, my poor mommy suffered a stroke that heavily affected the left side of her brain. She has been in a coma since. Through imaging, innumerable ‘mini strokes’ were discovered that may have occurred anytime within the last 2 months. Still, she fought and lived through every day like if this was something to easily sweep under the rug. A wonderful and inspiring example of the strength she vested in me. We were recently informed that she has days and possibly hours left here on earth with us. These news have completely shattered my entire heart and have shook my world.

My mom brought magic to this world and I hope to give her even half of what she did for my siblings and I in her short 46 years of life. I have been on a leave of absence with my employer to take on the role as her main caregiver. As the head of household, I easily sacrificed my source of income to completely care for my mom medically, as her medical power of attorney and as her daughter. Even in her debilitating sickness, she was aware of the financial burden and did everything in her power to help me while she was actively fighting for her life. She would be leaving behind 3 young adults in their early 20’s and 2 small kids aged 6 and 7. During my mom’s last moments with us, I don’t want her to worry about medical bills such as hospital and transportation, chemo and radiation related expenses, clinical consultations and other everyday expenses like rent, utilities, gas, bills and all other financial anxieties that were of concern to her. I am wanting beautiful last moments with her, where I can assure her that all is taken care of. I want her to finally be at peace. Additionally, giving her a beautiful and well-deserved service that emulates the incredible woman she is, would be a dream of a lifetime.

Whether you are supporting my family today by donating or sharing this post, know that I am indebted to you. To those who have supported me since the beginning of her cancer journey, please also know that my mom and I extend our love and gratitude to you. This has been an awfully difficult time, so to those who are ready to support us during this tragedy, may God bless you, endlessly. I can’t express my gratitude enough for those who have read entirely through this post. This is just a piece of my mom’s incredible story. My best friend is a fighter and as I sit here beside her in the hospital bed typing this, I can’t help but to feel grateful to be in the same room as her. I feel so proud of her and everything she has persevered through. Love to all.