Our hearts are broken as we share the passing of Yesenia, beloved wife to Joe and loving mother of Juliana and Jacob, after a courageous five-year battle with a rare cancer known as Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs). She was only 46 years old. NETs are a rare group of cancers that develop in neuroendocrine cells and can affect many organs, most commonly the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Yesenia carried herself with extraordinary grace, strength, and positivity. Many people never even knew she was sick because she worked so hard to protect her family and keep life as normal as possible for them. Her greatest joy and motivation were her two children — Juliana, 14, and Jacob, 12. They were truly the center of her world.

Juliana is a dedicated competitive synchronized figure skater and proud member of the Skyliners, recently qualifying for Nationals. Jacob has a deep love for the arts, especially acting and singing, and has already appeared in a commercial and in a small role on Sesame Street. Even while battling cancer, Yesenia never stopped supporting her children’s dreams. She made the long trips from Brooklyn to Westchester and Long Island several times a week for Juliana’s skating practices, competitions, and team commitments, while also bringing Jacob to acting classes, rehearsals, and performances. She did it all with unconditional love, endless strength, and unwavering devotion.

As Juliana and Jacob, along with their father Joe, navigate the heartbreaking loss of their mother and wife, we are asking for support to help provide stability and care for them during this incredibly difficult time. Donations will help with daily living expenses, educational and extracurricular costs, travel commitments, and ensuring the children can continue pursuing the passions and dreams their mother worked so hard to support.