Support Arlene's Journey to Recovery

To all our friends and members of the community,

On April 15, 2025, my mom and I received a life-changing phone call that would affect my youngest sister, the baby of the family, Arlene Mata, directly. When my mother and I rushed to the hospital, she was placed in ICU and diagnosed with MG (Myasthenia Gravis), a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the muscles in a paralyzing form.

My sister immediately showed signs of paralysis to her face and vision loss in her left eye. We felt helpless and devastated, but we all jumped in and helped in every way possible. We all took turns helping my sister bedside, including her boyfriend Gerardo, in making sure my niece Mya continued her normal school routine while my sister was still in the hospital. After a week and a half in the hospital, my sister was released to go home, and soon she would realize how difficult her new life would be, facing physical and emotional challenges.

My sister's road to recovery has already started as a lengthy and costly one. In the few days of being out of the hospital, medications and expenses have already been substantial even with health insurance, not to mention the countless hours of physical therapy she is going to need to regain movement again. My family and I are reaching out to all of our friends and members of the community, especially those that have gotten to know my sister, whether it be at school, work, or the numerous playgrounds my sister frequented around the city with my niece.

We are hoping that if you're reading this and are in the position to help my sister in her road to recovery, it would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!! Thank you to those that have checked up on my sister and for the kind words. We know times are tough for everyone (including us), so any donation size is truly appreciated.

Thank you,

The Mata Family