Marissa's Recovery Fund

As a veteran teacher in National City, CA, I have had the opportunity to know many wonderful students and their families as they pass through my classroom. There’s one family that I have kept extra close contact with since I met them 13 years ago.  Their story of resilience, perseverance, faith and determination as a family has been an inspiration for me all these years.

Now this family needs our help.  One of the sister’s daughters, Marissa, was diagnosed with a type of cancer called ependymoma.  It’s a tumor that arises from the ependyma, a tissue of the central nervous system.  This all happened last month, right after starting 6th grade in Chula Vista, CA.  She underwent brain surgery immediately and most of the tumor was removed, and although this form of cancer can be aggressive and may grow back, she is recovering now at home and will be undergoing physical therapy, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.  

Her parents are both very hard workers.  Her father, Juan, works two jobs, and her mother, Laura, has always worked full time as well.  Now Laura is no longer able to work, taking care of Marissa as she recovers and continues treatment. Juan was recently forced to end his second job, as the store he was employed by closed its doors.  Financially they need our help.

Helping Marissa get back to being a normal 6th grader means so much to me because she is a vibrant light that exudes positivity even during this tragic situation. The amount of faith Marissa speaks about her present situation and her future is so incredibly inspiring! Helping her parents pay their bills and their rent, along with the extra medical bills, will take some of the stress off the family at this extremely difficult time.   

I will be so thankful for any help for her at this time because she and her family have many adventures to accomplish.