At just 21 years old, Hazel has taken on the enormous responsibility of raising her two younger sisters, ages nine and eleven. Earlier this year, she gained custody of them after years of fighting for their safety and well-being. Her journey is one of strength, courage, and deep love—a story of someone who refused to let her painful past define her future.

Hazel was born in El Salvador and came to the United States when she was only 2 years old. She had no idea she didn't have papers or was not a US citizen until she tried to attend school or get a job. She later realised she was born in El Salvador. From a very young age, she endured an extremely difficult childhood. Her mother struggled with addiction and often chose partying and relationships over her children. Hazel was not only emotionally and physically abused by her mother but also kept isolated from opportunities that could have given her independence. She was not allowed to attend school and was forced to stay home to take care of her younger siblings. Her mother also refused to help her obtain her legal papers, keeping her dependent and under control.

In addition to the abuse from her mother, Hazel also suffered mistreatment from some of the men who came into their home. Despite carrying this heavy trauma, Hazel showed incredible bravery. She found strength in her faith, sneaking out on Sunday's to attend church with her younger brother. One day, she confided in her pastor about the abuse, which eventually led to authorities intervening. Over time, her mother lost custody of her children, though she would regain it multiple times, creating a cycle of instability. The children were constantly moved from place to place, sometimes ending up in homes where Hazel faced further mistreatment. Leading to ptsd and emotional scars.

When Hazel was fifteen, a kind family from her church took her in. Leaving her younger brother and sisters behind. For the first time, she experienced safety, love, and encouragement. They helped her go to school, and she began to see a world beyond survival. Her siblings entered foster care together, while Hazel moved between homes and rented rooms through her later teen years, but she stayed determined to finish high school—and she did.

After graduating, Hazel enrolled in community college, paying for her education completely on her own while working full time. Balancing work and classes was challenging, but she was motivated by her dream to reunite her family and create a better life for her siblings.

Eventually, Hazel saved enough money to rent a small home and began the long process of gaining custody of her younger sisters, who were living in an abusive household with their father. For three years, the girls were missing, and when they were finally found, they were malnourished and neglected. Hazel immediately took them to see doctor and the hospital and began collecting evidence to fight for custody.

After years of persistence, courage, and unwavering faith, Hazel was granted emergency custody of her sisters. In late August and early September of 2025. Today, she is their guardian, provider, and protector. Although she had to pause her education due to her immigration status (she got her visa) and lack of financial aid and not being provided for her , Hazel continues to work hard every day to give her sisters the stability, love, and safety she never had and try to safe up to try and attend school again. She dreams of becoming a successful realtor, and building a secure future for her family, proving that even in the face of darkness, hope can lead the way.

Hazel was able to purchase a car paid off to take the girls to school and get to and back from work. 

Hazel’s story is one of incredible resilience. She endured unthinkable pain but refused to let it break her although it leaves her hurt. Instead, she chose compassion, courage, and determination. She continues to work hard to pay for medical ,educational, and personal bills and help the girls reach their goals and dreams.

On October 16th on her way to work hazel was in a car crash loosing her car due to a reckless driver. Her car did flip and land on a ditch. Hazel was taken to the hospital and is currently in recovery and home with no broken bones or anything just a little pain she is going to continue to work.