Supporting Orlando through loss and new life

Who are Raquel and Orlando? They are two people in their 30’s who began an international relationship about ten years ago. They met through a mutual friend who visited Orlando stateside and thought he knew the perfect girl to introduce Orlando to. The only problem was that she lived in the Dominican Republic. The two of them started chatting long distance (which was harder 10 years ago as you might recall) and sparks flew when Orlando was finally able to visit Raquel. Over time his visits became more frequent until he proposed. They got married in the Dominican Republic in July of 2014,  and then applied for a visa so Raquel could come to the States (Dec. 2015) and they could live their “happily ever after”. 

As you know, happily ever afters never go  exactly as planned… though with the birth of their son Benjamin, they were off to a good start. Benjamin was the light of her life, she couldn’t have been more happy. He is a sweet and kind boy, who just celebrated his 5th birthday. 

Shortly after Ben’s birth, Raquel was diagnosed with breast cancer (for the first time). She was declared in remission after treatment, but it wasn’t long until they found out she had it a second time and faced treatment again. Despite facing the same diagnosis, and undergoing a double mastectomy, Raquel trusted in God’s plan, knowing that God holds her future in His hands. She professed His goodness through song and faced each day with a smile.  Raquel had once again seen God’s grace. 

This summer, Raquel received a third breast cancer diagnosis(just weeks after her daddy passed away from cancer in the DR), but this time the breast cancer had spread to her liver. The medical team wanted to start treatment immediately, but Orlando and Raquel were given additional unexpected news… Raquel was pregnant! Raquel’s mom immediately jumped on a plane to be with her daughter, and has been living with them since august. 

Raquel and Orlando chose to carry their baby girl, despite the odds and the risks it posed to Raquel's health.  Soon after finding out about her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarium (severe morning sickness) and she required a home nurse to set her up with IV fluids at home.  

In early November Raquel became so sick she could no longer text.  Not long after, Raquel had a seizure and was rushed to Strong hospital. They found out that on top of all the other complications she has tumors on her brain. It’s likely that the cancer has spread, and is doing so rapidly. Due to her pregnancy, there are no treatment options available. 

On December 12, Orlando got the call he was anticipating for the previous 5 weeks, it was time to deliver the baby. They were able to get the baby out quickly, and attend to Raquel to get her stabilized. Rebecca Grace was born wiggling and feisty, just like her mama. Once Raquel and Rebecca were both stable, they were able to bring her daughter to her. Raquel was able to meet her daughter, we don’t know how much she was aware of, but after seeing the photo, there is no doubt she knew her baby girl was alive and well. Raquel did what she set out to do in August, she gave her daughter a chance at life. Orlando said that as far as being 26 weeks gestation; Rebecca is the best possible scenario, she will have a long NICU stay, but she is likely to be ok. 

Yesterday afternoon the family and I (Melissa Siena) were invited up to the hospital to say “see you later” to an amazing woman. Shortly before midnight last night, Raquel’s body gave up, and she met Jesus face to face. 

There is no doubt Raquel heard “well done my good and faithful servant” this morning. 

Please donate to this go fund me to help lessen the financial burden of an already impossible situation.     

Orlando will use the money for medical expenses and in whatever way he sees fit to use it for himself and the kids as they navigate this intensely difficult time. 

We also ask that you share this page with others, and keep Orlando, Benjamin, and baby Rebecca in your prayers, as well as Raquel and Orlando’s family.

Thank you. 

If you would prefer to use Venmo to avoid the processing fees being removed from your donation you can donate directly to Melissa via Venmo (at)melissa-siena.