Support the Cifuentes Family After Tragic Loss

My name’s Joe, but you can also call me Joselito—a name affectionately given to me by the Cifuentes family and one I wear with pride. I am helping to create this fundraiser for one of the most compassionate, fun, and welcoming families I've ever met.

I first met the Cifuentes through one of my best friends, Garrett, and his girlfriend, Betsy. Over the past couple of years, I’ve met Betsy's father, Eddie, a few times while hanging out with Garrett and Betsy. Eddie is a bit of a mystery wrapped in an Eagles jersey—and that’s only because I have no idea how old he is. I know he recently retired, but he still works on projects here and there. It’s not just that he looks young; he’s agile on the dance floor, quick with jokes and wit, and always laughing—a great person to be around. He is the life of the party.

Speaking of parties, the first time I met the rest of the Cifuentes family was at their Christmas celebration. I met Betsy’s mom, aunts, uncles, cousins… and even their cats. Despite having some social anxiety, I felt unbelievably comfortable. They made sure I ate plenty! I was introduced to new customs, new foods to crave, and a new kind of joy. Plus a present for Christmas.

I was later invited to visit their home country, Guatemala, where more of their family lived. In true “Joe” fashion, I managed to miss the group flight and had to catch a very late one to Guatemala. The family there surprised me by all showing up at the airport to pick me up—multiple cars' worth of people holding a sign welcoming “Joselito.”

There are so many stories I could share—like Betsy’s mom declaring that I’m a better driver than Betsy (which, given the circumstances in Guatemala, is no small feat) or the time I was invited to a wedding and ended up dancing with the bride. But I’ll get to the point: this family is something special. Not because they love more, cook better (though they might), or know how to throw a party (which they definitely do), but because they have an incredible ability to make anyone feel like they belong.

Sadly, this amazing family is now facing a devastating loss. Gladis Orozco, Eddie’s sister-in-law, along with her two sisters, passed away in a tragic car accident while visiting family in Texas. Gladis’s daughter survived and is now facing the unimaginable task of bringing her mother back home to Guatemala.

Eddie is on his way to Guatemala to support his brother, and Betsy’s cousins are heading to Texas to help Gladis’s daughter with the difficult preparations. This is just the beginning of the many expenses they’ll need to cover in the wake of this heartbreaking event.

Donated funds will be given to Eddie Cifuentes along with his brother, who will make sure Gladis and their daughter make it home.