Support the Cortez Family in Memory of Manuel

Lily married the love of her life in March of 2023. God answered their prayers when Lily got pregnant with their first child together. But just a few months later, their faith was tested when Manuel was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. For over a year, Lily, leaning on the strength of Christ, became Manuel’s unwavering advocate, fighting for him when doctors had lost hope. She never left his side—attending every appointment and chemo session, all while pregnant, caring for a newborn and being a full time mother to their 3 girls. Her unwavering devotion to Manuel was a testament to Christ's love, which became his greatest source of hope and encouragement. When their daughter Anaiah was born, she became a beautiful symbol of God’s promise, a rainbow after the storm. Manuel’s legacy lives on in her smile, her warmth, and her laughter.

Now, with Manuel's passing, Lily and their girls are navigating life without him, but they are not without hope. Their faith in Jesus gives them strength, and their church, community, and loved ones will help them through this valley. As they face the financial strain of medical bills, funeral costs, and the need for assistance during this challenging transition, we are asking for your prayers and support. For those who know Lily, you’ve witnessed her incredible heart, not only for her family but for everyone she encounters. Now, she needs our help. Your compassion and generosity will be a blessing to her and her girls. Thank you for walking alongside them during this time.

UPDATE FROM LILY 9.26.24

My sweet husband Manuel is fully healed and went home to be with our Lord. To say that he "fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith” is an understatement. He passed surrounded by his loving family and I. We worshipped and praised for hours as he entered the arms of our Jesus in heaven. I am so incredibly proud of him for enduring so much with such great faith and beyond grateful to God for the gift of our marriage, that I would be blessed to walk through this season with him. Our family prayed continuously for a miracle and what we experienced was more than we could have asked for or imagined. Through our most recent physical trials of being in hospitals almost daily for the past months and intense daily pain, Manuel continually counted it all joy and praised and trusted God for the equally intense joy, gratitude and peace God gifted him through this process. He said over and over that what he had gained was greater than the loss he was experiencing. What a statement, what a glorious God we serve and what an amazing legacy to leave with us. God is still good, His love will never fail us and He alone is worthy of our praise in every circumstance

Thank you to everyone who supported us through this past year. Every donation, meal, babysitting offer, kid pick up, call, text, worship session and continuous prayer has made all the difference and we are forever grateful.

June 2024

Dear Friends and Family,

Nine months ago Manuel was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and told that without proper treatment he would have 1 year to live. This devastating news came shortly after our marriage and the joyous discovery that we were expecting his 1st child. Since then, we have been dedicated to securing the best medical care possible and as you can imagine, the cost of high-quality medical care over an extended period is substantial. This is why we are reaching out to our community for support.

Manuel has the opportunity to attend a vital in-patient program, specifically designed for Stage 4 cancer patients. Every dollar raised will go directly towards ensuring he receives this essential treatment. If you feel led to contribute, your donation will make a profound difference in Manuel's fight against cancer. If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask for your prayers. Please pray for peace, strength, and trust in God's plan as we embark on this journey. Your support in any form means the world to us.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Lily Cortez