My name is Connie Cervantes, and I wrote this while sitting beside my sister Carmen in the ICU at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Carmen is a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and someone who has always shown up for others with love and strength. Two years ago, her life changed when she was diagnosed with a rare and devastating disease called AL Amyloidosis, which progressively destroyed her heart and kidneys.

After countless appointments and procedures, including chemotherapies, doctors told us that she only had months to live and that the only way to save her life was a heart and kidney transplant.

By the grace of God and what truly feels like a Christmas miracle, Carmen received both organs on December 24 after being in the hospital for six weeks.

While we are beyond grateful, this transplant is only the beginning of a long and difficult journey, including months of recovery, constant monitoring, medications, and rehabilitation.

Carmen currently requires 24-hour care and will not be able to work for the foreseeable future. I will be her full-time caregiver, which means I also cannot work during this time.

As you can imagine, the financial burden on our family has been overwhelming throughout this process. Funds raised will help cover:

• Ongoing and future medical bills

• Medications and treatments

• Daily living expenses

• Household bills

• Transportation and caregiving-related costs

We are humbly asking friends, family, and anyone who feels moved by Carmen’s story to help in any way they can. No amount is too small. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser so others may see it.

Your prayers, kindness, generosity, and support mean more to us than words can express. Thank you for standing with Carmen as she fights to heal and reclaim her life.

With love and gratitude,

Connie Cervantes