I've known Mateo Sanchez and his mother, Marisol, since our sons met in kindergarten. From the moment they became friends, our families became bonded for life. Like me, Marisol was a single mother—devoted to raising her son with love, resilience, and unwavering strength.

On April 1, 2025, Marisol passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer, just weeks after celebrating Mateo's 18th birthday. Despite the pain and uncertainty, Mateo continues to show incredible perseverance: he's finishing high school, attending SAT tutoring twice a week, and pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot through weekend flight school. His dream was to attend a four-year college—the first in his family to do so.

Marisol was a humble, hardworking woman who quietly saved every dollar she earned from her skincare clients. When she learned her cancer had returned, she began planning for Mateo's future with remarkable foresight and strength. She used her savings to purchase a small property and taught Mateo—just 16 at the time—how to manage it as an Airbnb. She showed him how to handle bookings, clean between guests, stock supplies, and keep track of finances. Even while fighting for her life, Marisol was preparing her son to stand on his own. Even while undergoing chemotherapy, Marisol prepared Mateo for the road ahead.

Together, they set up a living trust to secure the property, but now Mateo faces the legal and financial burdens of managing that estate at just 18—on top of school, work, and grief. These are responsibilities no teenager should have to face alone.

As a mother and someone who considers Mateo like a second son, I'm asking for your help. This Mother's Day, while we can't bring Marisol back, we can lighten the load for her son. Your donation will go directly toward helping Mateo navigate this difficult time—supporting his education, living expenses, and the future his mother dreamed of for him.

Thank you for honoring Marisol's memory by helping her son continue the journey she worked so hard to prepare him for.

With love,

Yolonda