Hello, many of you already know what Maria’s been up against lately. But for those of you that don’t, Maria has been diagnosed with degenerative Multiple Sclerosis this year.

All of Maria’s closest human connections already know what an incredible badass she is so if you are a friend of a friend then here’s just a small introduction to Maria’s sheer amazingness. The woman’s heart is a force to behold. Her light and undeniable goodness is seen immediately and is contagious. Her intellect and wit keeps people smiling and on their toes, learning and laughing, always.

Maria started working as a therapist for DHS and helped families reunite, heal and move forward together. She has always had such a big heart and has given back to her community as a public servant.

Maria also served in the Marine Corp as an Arabic Linguist. While enlisted, Maria got the opportunity to attend the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California where Maria learned Arabic.

Maria has also had the pleasure of raising an incredible human, Ty aka Ty Ty. An amazing mother who always protected and stood by her kiddo, who is now grown and thriving, she is the example of a strong mama bear.

While Maria was raising her kiddo she also went back to school. Maria achieved her masters in psychology, bachelors of art in history and bachelors of science in psychology at SOU. The woman’s intellectual force survived all the crayons she ate as a marine.

For a brief medical rundown of Maria’s degenerative diagnosis which happened this year, the lesions have moved from her brain to her spinal cord. Maria is “stuck in her stupid bed” at least half the day and is in constant pain. The pain controls her life right now, and some days she cannot write or read; for those of you who know Maria well, she is an incredible writer and is in the process of writing a novel.

This GoFundMe was created to help supplement Maria’s basic needs until her disability processes. Paperwork is tedious and we don’t know how long this process will take.

This diagnosis has been especially hard for Maria; from roller derby, aerial silks, climbing mountains, and chasing waterfalls, she’s lived on three continents and lives with a deep sense of adventure.

Maria gives to all her friends, is the most kind and compassionate being. Now we hope for her loved ones and anyone else that can, to give to someone that has given so much of themself to others.