Martinez Family/Familia Martinez

The Martinez children, Joshua, Ariela, Paloma,Jollen and Yara are grandchildren that were adopted by their grandparents, Maria Rocio and Marcelo after their daughter passed away from cervical cancer at the age of 25. The children were living with their grandparents after their parents were separated due to the abuse on their mom and children. Dad was sent to jail and then deported. Upon mom's death the children were put into temporary custody of their grandparents. However, due to their financial situation they were facing the removal of the children by DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services). Upon my hearing of this as the grandparents confided in me their concerns I offered to assist them with the resources and contacts they needed to find a long term solution. I, Elsa Prado together with Esmeralda Garcia worked a fundraiser called Mission Maria. Seeing the landlord at the house and how he treated the family promted me to stand up for the family as I ended up interpreting for them to clear up the situations they were going through. From that point forward I guided them through the legal system to assist them in getting an attorney and obtaining the representation for the adoption of their grandkids. The process took us years to complete. Many hurdles to get over and timelines to meet to prevent the removal of the children. Now, we are still facing legal costs and medical care for their grandmother now mom. Mom is now facing cancer and medical costs will impose new hardships for this growing family. For those like me that know how cancer can deplete a family financially will tate with me as I have had cancer very prevalent in my own family. If you can help this loving family with your donation any amount will help this family. I am the treasurer and board member of Break the Silence Foundation and Esmeralda Garcia works with us as a volunteer. Either one of us can be reached to help the family.