Chela's Loves / Los Amores de Chela

⬛ A Summary of Graciela's Story: Graciela (who was known as 'Chela' by family) was a loving wife and mother of two beautiful 'tweens'. Her 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter were the loves of her life. She had just celebrated her 50th birthday in September and she was in perfect health. ⬛ However, in a matter of just a few weeks she went from being an involved mother, an active and hard-working partner to being bed-ridden and unable to effectively communicate basic needs to loved ones as she once did. ⬛ After an MRI, a CT Scan, and a biopsy she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer - more specifically, an inoperable Glioblastoma, grade 4. Her diagnosis was deemed terminal with a life expectancy of less than 3 months. She survived less than 2 months. Graciela passed away in her sleep on the early morning of December 5th, 2018. [If you'd like to read about what my cousin's family has endured since her diagnosis please read her story in the UPDATES SECTION.] ⬛ No child should endure such a tragic loss of their mother, much less do so in the midst of financial hardship. This GoFundMe account was initially set up with the intent to help lessen the financial impact and allow her husband (and children) stay afloat during her hospitalization, hospice care, and after her death. ⬛ Furthermore, it was set up with several reasons in mind: The 1st reason is actually two in one - her children. Graciela's son and daughter are only 12 and 10 years old. We are setting up grief and loss support services to address emotional distress and answer their questions, while providing ongoing support for them in the process. ⬛ The 2nd reason (also with her children in mind) was because Graciela's husband (their father) recently obtained a new job. This means that at the time of her diagnosis, her husband had only been employed through this new position for approximately two months. Thus, he did and does not have access to most employee benefits like vacation days, sick time, paid-time-off, nor does he qualify for FMLA - which he needed to be at the hospital and now needs to be with his children. Although, work has been gracious in allowing him some time off, it is still unpaid, so being able to stay afloat financially is a focus. This does not include expenses related to end of life preparations. ⬛ Lastly, but still along the same lines, it is important to mention that not only was my cousin the mother of his children, but she was also the 'love of his life' and I cannot accurately describe how she would light up when she saw him, despite her limited function and declining health. As time passes and her absence sets in, he will face emotionally struggles that accompany the grieving process. This kind of unexpected loss, creates a risk for mental health risks like depression, which may also impact his ability to function. Neither, Graciela's husband or her children need additional stressors to complicate their healing process. ⬛ It is essential to reiterate that Graciela was an amazing mother and that the well-being of her children was always the number one priority, for those who didn't have the pleasure of meeting her. My hope is to alleviate some of the financial stressors so that Graciela's husband can focus on continuing to meet their needs, as well as his own, as they mourn this tragic loss. ⬛ I ask that you give with your heart whatever it is you can, to help ease their pain during this difficult time. Thank you for support in advance. ❤