My mother, Roberta Fernandez, has always been the heart of our family. She dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren, and we have always been her greatest joy. A few years ago, Roberta was diagnosed with dementia, and our lives changed as we learned to support her through this difficult journey.

On the 19th, everything changed again when she suffered a massive heart attack. She had to undergo emergency surgery to place a stent in the main artery of her heart and was put on a ventilator. Because of her dementia and the time she spent without oxygen, she is now unable to continue life without the help of machines. It has been heartbreaking to watch someone so full of life and love face such a difficult end.

I currently live in Bakersfield, while my mother is in Glendale, California. I have been here with my brother for a week, doing everything I can to stay close to her. The hospital does not allow me to stay overnight with her because I have my daughter with me, so I have been finding ways to get hotel rooms just to be nearby. No one should have to die alone, and I want to make sure my mother is surrounded by family and love in her final days.

We are asking for help to cover the costs of her cremation and to support our family with the expenses of staying by her side until she goes to heaven. Any support during this heartbreaking time means the world to us. Thank you for helping us honor my mother and keep her surrounded by love in her final days.