Hello My name is Mariana Flores.

My Story: A Lifetime in the Only Home I’ve Ever Known

I have lived in this country since I was 4 years old. For over three decades, this has been my only home. I grew up here, went to school here, and am now raising my three young sons here. My life, my heart, and my future are rooted in this community.

The Fight of My Life

My journey hasn't been easy. I am a Stage 4 cancer survivor. In 2020-2022, I fought through the darkest days of my life to make sure I could at least be there to see my boys grow up. I was 4 months pregnant before my diagnosis with a babygirl that lost her life to save mine. No matter how much time goes by I still mourn her loss. She’s forever my Angel from heaven that came to save me.

After winning that battle, I thought the hardest part was behind me. I wanted to formalize my status and live without fear, so I moved forward with my Green Card process.

What was supposed to be a step toward security turned into a nightmare. During my Green Card interview—a day I hoped would bring peace—I was instead detained for 9 days. I have never been deported or left the country. Just detained for the fact that I overstayed my Visa. Often I have questioned why since I was only 4 yrs old and didn’t have control of being here or leaving.

Now, instead of focusing on my health and my children, I am fighting a legal battle to avoid being separated from my three sons. They are my world, and the thought of being taken away from them after everything we have survived together is unbearable.

How You Can Help:

The legal fees for immigration defense are overwhelming. Between mounting lawyer costs and the expenses of supporting my family during this crisis, I cannot do this alone.

I am asking for your help to raise funds for my legal representation. Every dollar goes directly toward the fight to keep me with my children and a survivor in the home I have known since childhood.

• Donate: Any amount, no matter how small, makes a difference.

• Share: Please share my story with your network.

• Pray/Support: Your kind words and thoughts give me the strength to keep fighting.

Thank you for seeing my humanity and helping me keep my family whole.