Cruz Family Love and Support

Update June 14, 2023:

Sweet baby Geneva is just over a week old and has already stolen the hearts of everyone around her, her family is so in love. Despite the profound loss, this remarkable baby girl continues to be a beacon of hope and love. She is surrounded by an incredible family who absolutely adore her. Thank you for your continued thoughts, prayer and support as the Cruz family bravely adjusts to a life forever changed.

Update from Antonio, June 9, 2023:

We were finally able to bring baby G home yesterday. She is absolutely beautiful, just like her mother. We made it through the first night without any issues and the pediatrician said she is doing well at her checkup, today. Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for everyone who is helping us through this. You are all so incredible. Everyone in this family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

Update from Antonio, June 7, 2023:

Geneva is still in the NICU, but getting stronger every day. My heart is filled with so much sorrow and gratitude. I cannot begin to express my thanks and appreciation for the community of wonderful people who have surrounded us with their love and support. For the last 20 years, Karisa has been my rock. She did so much for this family and she made it look so very easy. I have impossible shoes to fill, but I thank all of you for your help, love, and support. I cannot do this alone, so thank you all for helping me raise this beautiful girl for Karisa.

Original Post:

I am one of the many friends, and families, who care deeply about the Cruz family. I am calling on our village for help. The worst tragedy for a local family has happened. This fundraiser is just a stepping stone to help with the unexpected expenses of immediate childcare needs, memorial funds, and funeral expenses.

Here is the meal schedule link: https://takethemameal.com/VWJG9230?fbclid=IwAR2goVYqPCKnFcy26u4_-nQ7s4cK08ZRNlQ-VlKCR1mskV9o78zfadVwl9Y

I will be able to share more as I know the details, giving Karisa’s beautiful family time to process. Until then, please help and share if you can, any amount will help.

Written by Karisa’s husband, Antonio as of June 6, 2023:

For anyone who is hurt or upset by this post, I am truly sorry. There is so many of you and only one of me. As much as I would like to call each and every one of you, I simply can’t.

On Sunday at 7:55pm Karisa Cruz gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Geneva Hope Cruz was 6lbs, 11oz. and was 19-3/4” long. Karisa was unbelievably happy to be holding her 6th child and 3rd girl. I left the hospital around 10pm that night to check on the other kids at home. Karisa told me to get the kids off to school the next day and come back to hospital later Monday morning. The hospital called me early Monday morning and told me to come down as soon as possible. I arrived to a terrible medical emergency that lasted until around noon. The details are still unclear to me, but I was told by hospital staff, who were with her in the Operating Room, Karisa coded numerous times and they were unable to revive her. Karisa died 6/5/2023. Geneva remains healthy and strong. I am trying to figure all of this out and as I have more information regarding a memorial I will pass it along.

Karisa loved her family, especially her children. I am doing my best to honor her by putting her babies first. If I don’t respond to you it isn’t because I don’t love and appreciate you. I will be working on an alternative point of contact for correspondence. Thank you all for your prayers and support.