Maribel is the definition of strength, resilience, and grace. She has spent her life overcoming the unthinkable with courage and an unwavering love for others. Today, she needs our help so she can focus on what matters most: living the rest of her life surrounded by love, dignity, and peace.

On September 2, 2025, Maribel was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. She had no idea she was seriously ill. What began as stomach pain led to an emergency room visit with her mother and nephew, and life changed forever. After extensive testing, doctors confirmed the cancer had already spread to her liver. Maribel was told the cancer is incurable. Chemotherapy is not a cure, but a way to slow the progression. While waiting to begin treatment, her pain worsened, and she was rushed back to the hospital where doctors discovered a blockage. She underwent emergency ostomy surgery and now must live permanently with an ostomy bag, in addition to fighting cancer.

As devastating as this diagnosis is, it is only one chapter in a life marked by extraordinary survival. At just 16 years old, Maribel survived a gunshot wound to the neck. The bullet exited through her mouth, shattering her jaw. She nearly lost her life when she stopped breathing and spent months with a tracheostomy, unable to speak, her jaw wired shut, undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries. At 20 years old, tragedy struck again. While sitting in a car with friends, she was caught in a mistaken attack. Gunfire claimed the driver’s life and left Maribel with a collapsed lung and a spinal cord injury. She became a paraplegic. But Maribel did not give up. She returned to school, learned to drive, and built independence. She worked for the federal government for 18 years, contributing, thriving, and inspiring everyone who knew her.

Now, Maribel faces her greatest challenge yet. While undergoing treatment, Maribel is far from her husband, stepchildren, and her two beloved dogs. They live outside the United States and are unable to be with her during this time. Her wish is simple: to spend the rest of her time filled with love, peace, and dignity, and to ease the financial burden on her family.