My name is Mari Ramskill and I met Brenda and her husband, Steve, back in 2011 when Brenda began taking care of my son, William, when he was at Beach Babies. She quickly became the only person outside of the family whom we trusted to also babysit our baby boy, giving us peace of mind while we were away. And always, Brenda's husband, Steve, was there to drop her off or pick her up or race over once when there was an emergency. I know we are not the only anxious parents that Brenda's smiling face reassured.

Earlier this year, Steve Salinas was diagnosed with colon cancer and in April he went in for surgery. Weeks later, he was back in the ER with tremendous abdominal pain only to learn that he still had tumors. Now it is August and Steve has exhausted his leave and has been terminated by his employer - losing his medical insurance when he needs it most. Adding to their challenges, they now need to find a new home due to their landlord remodeling /demolishing their building.

What should be a time of celebration in their life with their eldest son graduating from high school and going off to college is instead a nightmare. A cancer diagnosis would turn anyone's world upside down but all the additional factors are more than any family should have to deal with on their own. This fundraiser is about giving back to the ones who took care of our families. If you have been touched by Brenda either at Beach Babies or at Ocean View Academy or elsewhere, I ask that you contribute what you can and help lessen the burden on her family. The funds collected will be used for medical and household expenses. Thank you in advance.