Supporting Sophie during her mother's cancer battle

Dear Friends,

In January 2023, Layla Orihuela, a light and joy of our lives, was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. A PET scan for a severe cough revealed that she had cancer of the pancreas. The diagnosis shocked everyone but it was seemingly at an early stage, as the cancer was isolated to the neck and adjacent arteries of the pancreas. Layla is a woman of faith and a fighter and over the past few months, she underwent several surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and has weathered these physically and mentally taxing medical treatments with the support of her mother, Tata, loving husband Julio, her son Diego (STS class of 2019), and her daughter Sophia (STS class of 2017).

Despite her young age, and positive outlook from doctors, the cancer is aggressive and has metastasized. The continuing treatments, the financial stress of two children in college, and the need to support Layla’s mother have become extremely difficult.

As Sophie’s closest friends from childhood, we have had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Layla and the Orihuela family for almost 20 years. We have never known them to turn away anyone needing help; their generosity, genuine kindness, and love are unparalleled. Layla has touched so many lives through her dedication and service to others. Personally, Layla has been a guiding force and an example of selfless giving and goodness throughout our lives. It is no exaggeration to say that she is a second mother to us, and that we are blessed to have Layla in our lives.

We are setting up this GoFundMe campaign because, in this challenging time, we want to help her and her family in this time of need. We hope to return even a small portion of the unlimited support and generosity that Layla and her family have brought to our lives.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will be immensely appreciated and will support Layla’s treatment and her family. We are grateful for your donations, prayers, and positive messages during this difficult time. Please consider sharing this message with your network but we kindly ask that you refrain from contacting the Orihuela family directly to respect their privacy.

Thank you for standing with us against cancer and proving that one person’s love can echo in the lives of many.

With Gratitude,

Erica Hengartner

Sophia Molina

Fernanda Valdez