Hi, my name is Courtney, and I’ve put this fundraiser together for a dear family friend, Rosa Vallecillos.

It brings me to tears writing this because Rosa is such a special person. She's an amazing mom to her daughter Nadia, a loving friend, and a loving dog mom to Alize and Fergie. She’s also my dog Champ’s absolute favorite person (I sometimes joke that he loves her more than us!).

A few months ago, Rosa suffered a stroke. During her hospital stay and after numerous tests and scans, doctors discovered a tumor on her pancreas. At the time, they believed it could be removed, and she was scheduled for surgery this September.

Fast forward a few months, Rosa began experiencing severe stomach pains that doctors couldn’t explain. On August 24, she went to the emergency room and later admitted into the hopsital. After running further tests, the doctors gave devastating news: Rosa has stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has also spread to her lungs. Along with this diagnosis, she was told she only has a very short time to live.

Despite this heartbreaking prognosis, we remain optimistic and are doing everything we can to help Rosa find strength and comfort.

Because she is now hospitalized, Rosa has no income and is unable to work. We want her to spend her time focusing on what matters most which is being with her daughter and her doggies without the overwhelming stress of medical bills and expenses. On top of everything, Rosa will be turning 69 on September 3rd, and we want her to feel surrounded by love and support.

All funds raised will go directly to Rosa to help cover her medical costs, medications, and basic living expenses, allowing her to enjoy her time with her family and loved ones without financial worry. I have coordinated with her daughter for transfer of this fundraiser.

I am truly grateful for the chance to know such a beautiful person and someone who has been an important part of not only my life but my dogs’ lives as well.

Thank you for supporting Rosa in this fight and helping us give her the love she deserves!