The Valenzuela-Marins are truly the most special family you will ever meet.

For María and her husband, Luis, their family is their entire world. They work so hard every day to provide the best possible life for their family here in California, and for their loved ones back in Mexico. The pandemic was just the beginning of an unpredictable journey of emotional distress and financial need. Soon after the shelter-in-place mandate, María and Luis lost their janitorial jobs. There were days they went hungry and struggled to put food on the table for their kids.

María and Luis have two amazing children. Their daughter just finished her first semester of college - she is the first in the family to attend higher education, and they could not be more proud of her. Their son, who is in high school, has a rare neurological disorder called Smith Magenis Syndrome. He has worked so hard for years, with the endless dedication of his supportive family, to learn and grow through so much.

In May of 2021, Luis suffered a massive heart attack and was hospitalized. He remained in a coma for more than 10 days before surgery. Doctors informed the family Luis was not going to make it, and invited them to say their goodbyes. Luis’ son, devastated, approached his father saying, “It’s not your time to go.” Soon after, Luis miraculously started showing signs of life and woke up. He returned home after a lengthy hospital stay, with Maria staying home to assist him with his recuperation. It was a true miracle.

However, just 4 short months later, the family faced a new nightmare. In August 2021, María was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent intensive chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. After over a year of grueling treatment and recovery, María was in remission. Their family finally had a moment to breathe and heal together from what had felt like a never-ending series of traumatic events.

But now, the unthinkable has happened: In December 2023, María was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. And this time, it is stage 4 - the most advanced stage, when the cancer has metastasized. Instead of getting to spend Christmas with their family back in Mexico, María had to start intensive chemotherapy right away.

In the midst of fighting for her life, María is overwhelmed with worry about her family. How they will pay for rent, bills, and food while she is out of a job during treatment? How can they cover the enormous cost of living in the Bay Area when the government offers little to no assistance to families in need?

María cannot believe that she is here again. She is in so much pain every day, but knows she must continue to fight because she wants to survive - for her family. Nobody deserves to worry about their livelihood while fighting for their life. Right now, the Valenzuela-Marin family needs support so María can focus all her energy on healing. They need community to give them "esperanza y fe" - hope and faith.

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