UPDATE: Thursday, March 6th

My mom has begun her rehabilitation at home, approaching each day with determination and resilience.

She undergoes daily occupational therapy to strengthen her memory and concentration, along with speech therapy to support her recovery in communication.

Surrounded by the love and encouragement of her family—including visits from her grandchildren, children, and siblings—Fresia remains in great spirits.

Her motivation is unwavering, and she is fully committed to the journey ahead.

UPDATE: Saturday, March 1st

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your concern and kindness. My mom will be discharged next Monday and will begin an intense month of rehabilitation. For now, she will be doing her rehab in Santiago de Chile. We are very hopeful, and feeling the support of all of you gives us great strength. Thank you for being with us! We have told her about this effort and read her the names of those contributing and she's very touched.

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On Friday, February 21st, our Mom, Fresia, suffered a catastrophic stroke while traveling to Chile to attend my grandmother’s funeral. If you know my mom, you know she is one of the most loving, kind-hearted, and positive people you will ever meet. Now, she needs our help.

The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but I am holding onto hope and unwavering belief that with the right care, love, and support from her family and friends, she will regain her strength and make a full recovery. The stroke has left my mother unable to speak, and she will require intensive therapy and significant support, especially over the next 90 days, which will be critical to her recovery.

As many of you know, my mom has been a dedicated and beloved member of the World Language Department at New Bedford High, teaching a wide range of Spanish courses—from introductory levels to the most challenging Advanced Placement classes. Her enthusiasm for the Spanish language and culture is infectious, and she brings an unmatched passion and energy to her classroom every day. She challenges her students with high academic expectations while offering warmth and kindness, creating an environment where they feel both supported and inspired.

Beyond teaching, my mom has been a pillar of support and a source of inspiration for her colleagues. She has played a vital role in shaping and refining the curriculum, always striving to make language learning engaging and meaningful. Her dedication, collaboration, and unwavering encouragement have strengthened not just her department but the entire school community.

But more than a teacher, she is a mentor, a confidante, and a friend. Her classroom has always been a safe and welcoming space, where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to grow. Her warmth, kindness, and ever-present smile have left a lasting impact on so many lives.

Now, in her time of need, I ask for your support. Any contribution, big or small, will help ensure that she receives the care and resources necessary for her recovery. Please join me in lifting her up, just as she has always done for those around her—with love, strength, and unwavering support.