Shelly has been a fighter since birth and now, at the age of 27, she is entering into the fight of her life. Soon after Shelly was born she was diagnosed with a very rare and severe genetic disorder called Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome of the Finnish Type. The prognosis for this disorder is very grim and ultimately can lead to an early death. For Shelly, this horrible disorder led her to become legally blind and have severe cognitive delays, in which she is dependent on her parents for the rest of her life. Shelly has spent much of her life in and out of Jackson Memorial Hospital. At the age of 2, she underwent a kidney transplant from a kidney donated by her mom - Lulu. Time and time again, doctors told Shelly's parents to not expect her to survive past her 15th birthday. Due to the transplant, Shelly has been on medications to avoid rejection of the kidney. Unfortunately, the same medication that is being used to keep her body from rejecting the kidney, is also the one which could possibly cause her untimely death. Last month during one of Shelly's routine checkups, doctors discovered tumors in her liver and lungs. A biopsy was performed and her tumors were found to be cancerous. Knowing that we may be losing one of our youngest, and most vulnerable, has devastated all of us. Shelly's courage is rivaled only by her mother’s. Lulu has never left her daughter’s side, and anyone that has met her can attest to the fact that she is one of the greatest moms anyone could have. Lulu has overcome the hurt of other people belittling her daughter, and has used those moments into empowering Shelly to never let anyone judge her by her looks, but rather her spirit and the fight she has for life.

Shelly will be starting chemotherapy soon, in an inpatient setting, but will also be undergoing dialysis due to a low functioning kidney. As a result, and because of her mental disabilities, Lulu will need to remain by her side without the ability to work and will consequently not have the necessary income for their bills and medical expenses. With this in mind, it is evident that they need our help! We want to assist the Becerra family as much as we can during these challenging times, by decreasing some of the financial burdens that they will undoubtedly have. Any little amount you are able to donate is graciously appreciated. We fully understand the current economic situation due to Covid-19, and if you are not in a position to donate, all we ask is that you please repost or forward this on.

Please help us provide some hope in a dark time.