Help Michelle Zamora & Her Family Rebuild After Cancer

My name is Maria Barajas. I am writing to ask for assistance for my amazing niece Michelle. At 39 years old, Michelle Zamora should be planning school drop-offs, family movie nights, and future dreams — not recovering from cancer while struggling to keep her family afloat. Yet here she is, showing up every day with courage, love, and determination for her three children.

We are asking for support for an extraordinary woman, wife, and mother who has always been the one offering help — and now truly needs it herself.

Michelle is the proud mom of three beautiful children: Jose (almost 13), Joyce (6), and Emma (3). Two of her children are on the autism spectrum and require significant daily care, structure, and consistency. Michelle has always carried this responsibility with grace, patience, and deep devotion.

In July of 2024, Michelle lost her job and, with it, her health insurance. Just one month later, in August of 2024, doctors discovered a cancerous mass. By December of 2024, Michelle was formally diagnosed with ovarian cancer — a devastating diagnosis that unfolded with frightening speed.

Michelle underwent a total hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy — all while facing job insecurity, financial strain, and the complex needs of her children. As the primary breadwinner, she felt intense pressure to return to work, yet she also used this painful season to ensure her oldest child, who is severely autistic, received the therapies and critical support he needed.

Due to sensory sensitivities related to autism, many community resources such as food banks are not practical for their family. Michelle must purchase very specific foods to meet her child’s needs — an added expense that is unavoidable but essential.

As their family grew to five, they purchased a minivan that had to be financed during unemployment, resulting in higher monthly payments, increased fuel costs, and more expensive maintenance. They are a one-car family, and when the air conditioning failed, they were unable to afford repairs. For anyone familiar with the San Fernando Valley, the importance of reliable air conditioning — especially with children — cannot be overstated.

During chemotherapy, Michelle endured significant pain and developed neuropathy in both her hands and feet. Still, she remained fully present for her children, consistently placing their needs before her own.

Between high rent in the San Fernando Valley, an auto loan, rising gas costs, and basic living expenses, this family has fallen behind. Their monthly electric bill alone averages nearly $500 — a significant burden, especially while managing medical recovery and caring for

three young children. While Michelle is working again, income alone is not enough to help them fully recover from everything they have endured.

Michelle is not someone who asks for help. She is someone who gives it. But now, she and her family need us.

This GoFundMe will help the Zamora family: • Catch up on essential living expenses • Repair their only vehicle • Cover basic household and transportation needs • Regain stability and peace of mind

Michelle could be any of our sisters, daughters, or closest friends. She is a fierce mother, a loving wife, and a woman who has faced unimaginable challenges head-on.

As her aunt, I can say without hesitation that I am incredibly proud of Michelle. She continues to move forward with strength, humility, and grace.

Please consider donating, sharing, or offering support in any way you can. Let’s remind this family that they are not alone — and that a caring community stands behind them.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion.