As many of you know, my mom Denise Martinez, has been seriously ill and hospitalized for the last month. She was previously placed on life support at the end of August where she, miraculously, made a recovery and was able to be taken off life support and seemed to be taking strides towards recovery.

Unfortunately, her health declined again very rapidly and she was once again placed on life support on September 8. At this point, she has not made any progress toward recovery. My mom has been very clear that she does not want to be kept alive if the only means of doing so is via a machine, so my sisters and I have made the difficult decision to remove her from life support to honor her wishes. She will be made comfortable and she is expected to pass quickly and painlessly without the life support.

While mom was in the process of obtaining life insurance for final arrangements when she was hospitalized, that all came to an end when she was placed on life support the first time as she became ineligible. As such, we are asking for some assistance in honoring mom's wishes for a small service but a really big celebration of life.

Those of you who met mom over the years know she was a lively woman, always on the go with a smile or a wisecrack. Mom loved spending time with her family and friends, and she has asked that, when she passes, we honor that not with tears, but with a big party celebrating all of the love she's received and given over the years.

If you are able to donate, we would be very grateful. If you are able to attend the celebration, we would appreciate that even more. Thank you.