*This campaign is brought to you by the community of Colombian adoptees that knew, loved, and were inspired by Marisa (Ana Maria) Bocanegra.*
On Tuesday November 29th, the community of Colombian adoptees lost Marisa to a car accident. To this community, Marisa was a sister. When we had questions, she would answer them with sincerity and care. When we were doubtful, she would instill in us hope. When we were fearful, she would shine her light on us so that we could feel more at peace.
No matter what was going on in her life, she always made time for her fellow Colombian adoptee's--even in the face of her own journey's setbacks and struggles. Marisa was a truly selfless being with a heart of gold, too big to contain.
Even if you were never given the fortune of meeting Marisa in person (which is the case for several of us, given that our network was not limited to only Colombian adoptees in Minnesota), she made you feel loved, cared about, and valued. Marisa was a proud Colombian, proud of her fellow Colombian adoptee's, and an advocate for each one of us.
It is for all these reasons that Marisa's tragic loss has devastated our community. We did not just lose an acquaintance on Tuesday--we lost our communal sister.
As we try to make sense of the devastation that has occurred, we ask that you take a moment to place yourself in her family's shoes. Marisa's daughter, also in the crash, was airlifted to Rochester and is currently in serious condition. Marisa was also a mother to four other children and engaged her loving fiancé. Much of Marisa's life was spent longing for a reunion with her biological family, and--after 39 years apart--she was finally able to make her dream a reality. Elsy (Marisa's biological mother) and Juan Pablo (Marisa's biological brother) arrived in Minneapolis less than two weeks ago, and are still in Minnesota.
The financial implications of such a loss are crippling--but they don't have to be if we come together as a community.
Marisa's family needs help with covering all the unforeseen changes that will occur because of her unexpected passing (medical bills, funeral expenses, support for her children, etc.) Furthermore, we hope this fund will provide financial relief to Elsy (Marisa's biological mother) and Juan Pablo (Marisa's biological brother) during the remainder of their stay.
Marisa touched so many lives with her generous soul. She was a loving mother, friend, and advocate for change. We know it may not be easy to give extra around the holiday season, however we ask you to please consider helping Marisa's family in their time of need. Every contribution matters, and we thank you.
On Tuesday November 29th, the community of Colombian adoptees lost Marisa to a car accident. To this community, Marisa was a sister. When we had questions, she would answer them with sincerity and care. When we were doubtful, she would instill in us hope. When we were fearful, she would shine her light on us so that we could feel more at peace.
No matter what was going on in her life, she always made time for her fellow Colombian adoptee's--even in the face of her own journey's setbacks and struggles. Marisa was a truly selfless being with a heart of gold, too big to contain.
Even if you were never given the fortune of meeting Marisa in person (which is the case for several of us, given that our network was not limited to only Colombian adoptees in Minnesota), she made you feel loved, cared about, and valued. Marisa was a proud Colombian, proud of her fellow Colombian adoptee's, and an advocate for each one of us.
It is for all these reasons that Marisa's tragic loss has devastated our community. We did not just lose an acquaintance on Tuesday--we lost our communal sister.
As we try to make sense of the devastation that has occurred, we ask that you take a moment to place yourself in her family's shoes. Marisa's daughter, also in the crash, was airlifted to Rochester and is currently in serious condition. Marisa was also a mother to four other children and engaged her loving fiancé. Much of Marisa's life was spent longing for a reunion with her biological family, and--after 39 years apart--she was finally able to make her dream a reality. Elsy (Marisa's biological mother) and Juan Pablo (Marisa's biological brother) arrived in Minneapolis less than two weeks ago, and are still in Minnesota.
The financial implications of such a loss are crippling--but they don't have to be if we come together as a community.
Marisa's family needs help with covering all the unforeseen changes that will occur because of her unexpected passing (medical bills, funeral expenses, support for her children, etc.) Furthermore, we hope this fund will provide financial relief to Elsy (Marisa's biological mother) and Juan Pablo (Marisa's biological brother) during the remainder of their stay.
Marisa touched so many lives with her generous soul. She was a loving mother, friend, and advocate for change. We know it may not be easy to give extra around the holiday season, however we ask you to please consider helping Marisa's family in their time of need. Every contribution matters, and we thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathryn Levinson
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Brian Nisbit
Beneficiary