Help Mariana Heal and Get Back to Serving Her Community ❤️

Hi everyone,

If you know me, you know I’m not someone who asks for help. I’m usually the one trying to help others.

I love my family, my community, and my businesses. Whether it’s supporting local events, helping a neighbor, or creating a place where people can gather, I’ve always believed that if you’re able to help someone, you should.

Last Friday, everything changed.

What started as what I thought was the flu quickly turned into pneumonia. As the days went by, my voice continued to get worse until I could barely speak. My condition became so severe that I was admitted to the hospital, where I’ve now been for five days.

Doctors discovered that I have a tumor in my throat (we are praying it is benign), a granuloma on my vocal cords, and a severe infection that has made it difficult to breathe and impossible to use my voice. I still have a long road ahead with more testing, treatment, and recovery.

Like many small business owners, I work every day to keep my family and my businesses going. People often assume that owning a business means you’re financially comfortable, but the reality is very different. Every dollar goes back into the business, our employees, and providing for my family.

Because my income is just above the limit for financial assistance, I don’t qualify for programs that could help me obtain affordable health insurance. Now I’m facing overwhelming hospital bills, specialist visits, medications, and ongoing medical care that I simply cannot afford.

I am also the mother of five children, including two who have disabilities and depend on me every single day. Being unable to work while these medical expenses continue to grow has been one of the hardest experiences of my life.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a burger at Balboa, attended one of our community events, shared a laugh with me, or simply believe in helping someone through a difficult season, I humbly ask for your support.

No donation is too small, and if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with your family and friends would mean the world to me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support. I am determined to heal, get back on my feet, and continue doing what I love most—serving my family, my community, and the people who have become part of ours.

With gratitude,

Mariana Cardenas ❤️