Donate to Xavier Mendoza's Healing Journey

Hello Watsonville Community and Beyond,

It is with a heavy heart that we share that a beloved WCSA alum, and current Watsonville High School Sophmore, Xavier (X) Mendoza was rushed to the hospital on Monday night, June 30th after complaining of a headache. The doctors discovered a brain bleed, he was put on a ventilator and transferred to Stanford Children's Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. At Stanford, doctors discovered a large mass in his brain which has affected the entire left side of his body and his ability to move and speak. 

Xavier, known simply as X to anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him, enters any situation with a kind heart and a loving smile. His first love is basketball. He played for Charter Athletics in middle school and at Watsonville High School his freshman year. He has a quiet demeanor but his large almost six foot stature gave him a presence on the court. Off the court, X is the oldest of four boys and has always been amazing at being the “big brother”. Two of his siblings, Joseph and Andre, currently attend WCSA, his youngest brother Dominic will also be starting kindergarten at WCSA in the fall. Each sibling looks up to X and wants to be just like him. Xavier’s mom has always referred to X as my “gentle giant” because he is the sweetest, kindest, loving boy who always tries to put others first. This is evident by the number of friends X has. Each one worried and deeply shocked to see their vibrant kind hearted friend now incapacitated. 

At this time there are still a lot of unknowns, but what we do know is that X will have a long road to recovery. His mom is commuting daily from Watsonville to Stanford desperately trying to support her child while holding their family together. X’s parents are facing medical bills, loss of wages in order to be present for their sick child, and indescribable grief and shock. X would be ready to reach out to anyone with a hug, smile, or high five. He would look at someone in need with his unique X grin and ask, “how can I help?”

One of the greatest gifts that our community has is that WE are a Family of Families. We all work hard, value our children’s growth and want the best for them. This means when one child struggles, we must come together to support however we can so please consider donating to help offset the incurring costs of having a loved one in the hospital. X and his family need OUR help.

We don't know how long X will be at Stanford but financial support will alleviate some of the burden this difficult time has brought. It will allow his family to focus on X, being with him in the hospital and above all, his recovery, so he can get back to living his life as a normal teenager, doing what he loves most.

In hope and solidarity,

WCSA Staff

*We love you X and you are not alone in this battle. There is a whole community, a TEAM, cheering, holding you up and waiting to see you back on the court.