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Greetings Beloved Community,
My name is jo "love/speak" cruz and I am writing on behalf of my dear friends and Audiopharmacy Pham, Gina Madrid, Yrak Saenz, and their brand new twins ~ Edgar & Jorge! For the next week until Sunday, Sept. 19th 2021, myself, our collective and loved ones will be helping the familia to raise 15k towards the “Twins Life” Family Fund to help these two truly amazing parents get a empowered start by securing a reliable vehicle and helping Gina and Yrak have a safety net as they transition into working parents with two twins in need of extra TLC! Every bit of support counts! From $5 - $1000! Pls. take a moment to read Gina + Yrak's story and consider supporting our cause!
My name is jo "love/speak" cruz and I am writing on behalf of my dear friends and Audiopharmacy Pham, Gina Madrid, Yrak Saenz, and their brand new twins ~ Edgar & Jorge! For the next week until Sunday, Sept. 19th 2021, myself, our collective and loved ones will be helping the familia to raise 15k towards the “Twins Life” Family Fund to help these two truly amazing parents get a empowered start by securing a reliable vehicle and helping Gina and Yrak have a safety net as they transition into working parents with two twins in need of extra TLC! Every bit of support counts! From $5 - $1000! Pls. take a moment to read Gina + Yrak's story and consider supporting our cause!
UNEXPECTED COMPLICATIONS FOR THE FAMILIA
On July 17th, 2021, two of Gina’s best friends Julie + Becky planned a beautiful shower for the expecting family at Snow Park at Lake Merritt in Oakland. As Julie was finishing up the final touches at the double baby shower, Gina experienced a sudden gush of water coming out of her body. Nervous, but calm, Gina knew had to skip the baby shower see a doctor. With Becky’s help, the couple was rushed to Alta Bates Hospital, while Julie did her best to host the few guests who decided to come to the celebration despite the news. That day, they found out that Gina had a preterm premature rupture of the membranes causing one of the twin’s water bags to break, posing the risk of infection for both mama and the twins, as well as potentially trigger early labor. Premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and at 31 weeks or 7 months, Gina’s babies still needed more time in the womb to get stronger. In order to give the twins the most time possible to grow, Gina was required to stay at the hospital under the medical staff’s close watch. While Gina and Yrak were not ready to deal with all these complications, they also knew they needed to be warriors of love for their babies, and each other.
On July 17th, 2021, two of Gina’s best friends Julie + Becky planned a beautiful shower for the expecting family at Snow Park at Lake Merritt in Oakland. As Julie was finishing up the final touches at the double baby shower, Gina experienced a sudden gush of water coming out of her body. Nervous, but calm, Gina knew had to skip the baby shower see a doctor. With Becky’s help, the couple was rushed to Alta Bates Hospital, while Julie did her best to host the few guests who decided to come to the celebration despite the news. That day, they found out that Gina had a preterm premature rupture of the membranes causing one of the twin’s water bags to break, posing the risk of infection for both mama and the twins, as well as potentially trigger early labor. Premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and at 31 weeks or 7 months, Gina’s babies still needed more time in the womb to get stronger. In order to give the twins the most time possible to grow, Gina was required to stay at the hospital under the medical staff’s close watch. While Gina and Yrak were not ready to deal with all these complications, they also knew they needed to be warriors of love for their babies, and each other.
MAKING THE MOST OF A DIFFICULT SITUATION
The next couple of weeks at the hospital were critical for Gina, Yrak and the babies. In addition to the complications and risks of premature births, Gina and Yrak also needed to navigate the pandemic. The hospital’s Covid policies did not allow any visitors with the pregnant mothers in order to keep the risk of infection low, but Gina really needed people in her corner to support and advocate for her needs. With persistence and persuasion, Yrak and Becky were able to get permission to stay by Gina’s side. While being hospitalized for the next few weeks to monitor pre-term babies would be scary and depressing for any family, Gina, Yrak and Becky did their best to keep the vibes high in the hospital, and made the most of their time. Yrak set up Gina’s desktop and music equipment in the hospital room so that Gina could complete commissioned music projects and to continue doing work for her employer. Becky made Gina a belly cast and offered a beautiful photo shoot for the couple. Julie became surrogate mama for Gina’s dog Bobo who was also in need of surgery, and was getting depressed not being next to Gina. While it was difficult, Gina and Yrak were determined to have the healthiest babies possible.
The next couple of weeks at the hospital were critical for Gina, Yrak and the babies. In addition to the complications and risks of premature births, Gina and Yrak also needed to navigate the pandemic. The hospital’s Covid policies did not allow any visitors with the pregnant mothers in order to keep the risk of infection low, but Gina really needed people in her corner to support and advocate for her needs. With persistence and persuasion, Yrak and Becky were able to get permission to stay by Gina’s side. While being hospitalized for the next few weeks to monitor pre-term babies would be scary and depressing for any family, Gina, Yrak and Becky did their best to keep the vibes high in the hospital, and made the most of their time. Yrak set up Gina’s desktop and music equipment in the hospital room so that Gina could complete commissioned music projects and to continue doing work for her employer. Becky made Gina a belly cast and offered a beautiful photo shoot for the couple. Julie became surrogate mama for Gina’s dog Bobo who was also in need of surgery, and was getting depressed not being next to Gina. While it was difficult, Gina and Yrak were determined to have the healthiest babies possible.
THE TWINS ARRIVE EARLY...AYAYAY!
On August 2nd, 2021, at 33 weeks, the twins prematurely entered the world. While Edgar came naturally, Jorge needed assistance and the medical team decided to do a C-section. Exhausted from the birth and surgery, but full of love, the new parents were relieved that both their boys made it and were so grateful to receive them both at 5 lbs each! But because lil’ Edgar and Jorge came a few weeks early and needed more support, they were separated from Gina and taken to the NICU, a newborn intensive care nursery, to help them get stronger before going home. The hospital room they were staying at was also needed for other pregnant mothers, so Gina had to go home, while the twins stayed in the NICU. This was really hard for Gina, who did not want to leave without her babies, but understood this was the best for them.
On August 2nd, 2021, at 33 weeks, the twins prematurely entered the world. While Edgar came naturally, Jorge needed assistance and the medical team decided to do a C-section. Exhausted from the birth and surgery, but full of love, the new parents were relieved that both their boys made it and were so grateful to receive them both at 5 lbs each! But because lil’ Edgar and Jorge came a few weeks early and needed more support, they were separated from Gina and taken to the NICU, a newborn intensive care nursery, to help them get stronger before going home. The hospital room they were staying at was also needed for other pregnant mothers, so Gina had to go home, while the twins stayed in the NICU. This was really hard for Gina, who did not want to leave without her babies, but understood this was the best for them.
For the next 20 days, Gina would return to the NICU daily for many many hours to feed and bond with the babies. Without a car, Gina took Lyfts to get her back and forth from the hospital. The cost of getting to the hospital began to quickly get expensive, adding another layer of burden and stress on the new family. I offered Gina my car to use for the next two weeks, which she gratefully, and humbly accepted. A few days later, Gina’s old roommate found a great deal on a reliable SUV with only 17k miles for $7k. Having a car would help make life easier for Gina and Yrak as a new family with premature babies in need of special support. Without any extra money, they won’t be able to afford the vehicle on their own. But we encouraged them not to give up. Since then, Gina and Yrak have spoken to the car’s owner and have asked them for some time to pull the funds together. The owner has given us until this Sunday - Sept. 19th, to raise funds for the car. Gina + Yrak also got the car checked out by a mechanic who confirmed it was in really good shape so it felt like a blessing coming through for the family.
FINALLY! TOGETHER AS A FAMILIA <3
On August 25th, Edgar and Jorge were finally able to come home! Gina and Yrak were so happy to be with their babies, without barriers, in the flesh, heart-to-heart, so their little pescaditos could feel their parents’ enduring love. And so began the next chapter of their lives at home working together around the clock to support their babies. They continue to make the best of what they have, and count their blessings daily. On September 3rd, my husband and twi kids finally got to spend the whole day with Gina, Yrak and the twins in their 1 bedroom apartment. We brought food and groceries, offered to help with dishes, clean the house, and to care for the babies so the new parents could take a much needed break. While the vibes were high, with lots of laughter, musica and love, it was undeniable that this journey was going to be difficult for the new family. Gina and Yrak are exhausted, lacking sleep and worried about the future. Yrak’s paternity leave pay will be ending soon and will have to go back to work soon. For Gina, without paid maternity leave, she will also have to find a way to continue working from home to care for Edgar and Jorge, while making money to help pay for the bills, childcare and other essentials their family would need to survive, let alone thrive. That’s when I decided to organize a GoFund me for the family.
On August 25th, Edgar and Jorge were finally able to come home! Gina and Yrak were so happy to be with their babies, without barriers, in the flesh, heart-to-heart, so their little pescaditos could feel their parents’ enduring love. And so began the next chapter of their lives at home working together around the clock to support their babies. They continue to make the best of what they have, and count their blessings daily. On September 3rd, my husband and twi kids finally got to spend the whole day with Gina, Yrak and the twins in their 1 bedroom apartment. We brought food and groceries, offered to help with dishes, clean the house, and to care for the babies so the new parents could take a much needed break. While the vibes were high, with lots of laughter, musica and love, it was undeniable that this journey was going to be difficult for the new family. Gina and Yrak are exhausted, lacking sleep and worried about the future. Yrak’s paternity leave pay will be ending soon and will have to go back to work soon. For Gina, without paid maternity leave, she will also have to find a way to continue working from home to care for Edgar and Jorge, while making money to help pay for the bills, childcare and other essentials their family would need to survive, let alone thrive. That’s when I decided to organize a GoFund me for the family.
WHY COMMUNITY SUPPORT MATTERS
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), “the 2015 estimate (the latest estimates available) for child-rearing expenses from birth through age 17 in a two-child, middle-income, married-couple family is $233,610”, which breaks down to about 13k per year. For Gina and Yrak, having two premature babies who need extra TLC, and having to live through a pandemic is going to be an even bigger challenge than any of us can fathom. But we believe there is a way if we come together as a community. In Igbo and Yoruba traditions, there is a saying "It takes a village to raise a child". It reflects the emphasis these cultures place on family and community to support the wellbeing of children as they grow up. As a parent myself, my husband and I are so grateful to have had the support of our community for the last 15 years as we raise two children. We know the power of community, and we believe in Gina + Yrak! With a little support, we can give this family the safety net they need to stabilize as they transition into working parents.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), “the 2015 estimate (the latest estimates available) for child-rearing expenses from birth through age 17 in a two-child, middle-income, married-couple family is $233,610”, which breaks down to about 13k per year. For Gina and Yrak, having two premature babies who need extra TLC, and having to live through a pandemic is going to be an even bigger challenge than any of us can fathom. But we believe there is a way if we come together as a community. In Igbo and Yoruba traditions, there is a saying "It takes a village to raise a child". It reflects the emphasis these cultures place on family and community to support the wellbeing of children as they grow up. As a parent myself, my husband and I are so grateful to have had the support of our community for the last 15 years as we raise two children. We know the power of community, and we believe in Gina + Yrak! With a little support, we can give this family the safety net they need to stabilize as they transition into working parents.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING CULTURAL COMMUNITY ARTISTS
As cultural community artists, both Gina and Yrak work hard to uplift the communities they are a part of - now is our time to support them in their time of need. Azucena Rasilla of the Eastbay Express writes, “[i]f you’ve ever been to a hip-hop or Latin show in the Bay, or partaken in a political march, chances are you know [Gina] Madrid. Whether on stage performing or out on the streets resisting, the Mexican lyricist and political activist is deeply connected to the music and political game”. Gina insists that “Political activism and music go hand in hand. Being involved in what’s happening in my city, being aware of what our people are going through all around the world is crucial to me.” While I’ve known Gina for many years in the music scene, it was our activism and love for the people that solidified our sisterhood as we raised awareness on police brutality and supported the Frisco Five’s hunger strike in 2016. We've been rockin' and buildin' since.
As cultural community artists, both Gina and Yrak work hard to uplift the communities they are a part of - now is our time to support them in their time of need. Azucena Rasilla of the Eastbay Express writes, “[i]f you’ve ever been to a hip-hop or Latin show in the Bay, or partaken in a political march, chances are you know [Gina] Madrid. Whether on stage performing or out on the streets resisting, the Mexican lyricist and political activist is deeply connected to the music and political game”. Gina insists that “Political activism and music go hand in hand. Being involved in what’s happening in my city, being aware of what our people are going through all around the world is crucial to me.” While I’ve known Gina for many years in the music scene, it was our activism and love for the people that solidified our sisterhood as we raised awareness on police brutality and supported the Frisco Five’s hunger strike in 2016. We've been rockin' and buildin' since.
A force in Cuba’s hip-hop music and community, Yrak Saenz is a pioneer in Cuban Hip-Hop as a founding member of Doble Filo (translated as “double-edged” whose sound is described as experimental hip-hop with a feel-good vibe. According to the Cuban Artist Project (http://www.thecubanartistproject.com/), “…the underground rappers would not exist if it weren’t for groups like Primera Base and Doble Filo, the first wave of rappers in Cuba that introduced rap music into the consciousness of Cuban culture, spearheaded the movement and laid the groundwork for new avenues of expression. In addition to his contributions to Cuban Hip-Hop, Yrak supported important causes that impacted his people. Some noteworthy projects, collaborations accomplishments:
- collaboration with cultural and community centers in Havana, Cuba to raise awareness and donations to children with limited economic resources for artistic creation in the Cayo Hueso and La Güinera neighborhoods;
- participation in concerts and cultural events in the city of Pinar del Río for those affected by Hurricane Katrina; and
- production of cultural exchanges between Cuban and American artists, organizing concerts and murals in the Cuban cities of Pinar de Río, Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
By supporting Gina + Yrak to have a strong start as parents, we are not only helping their family, but investing in cultural community artists that genuinely love + support their community and powerfully influence culture with music that celebrates the Latin American experience, and the different nuances and connections that enrich the culture as a whole. Their art is a reflection of their lives and the reality of immigrants in the United States as they show respect for the powerful and honorable legacy left by their ancestors and predecessors. Their songs are adorned with diverse Latin musical roots and styles, while merging with hip-hop and other modern genres carrying important messages of love, strength, resilience, hope, unity in the community, familia, and paying respect to our ancestors and roots.
THE ACTION PLAN
Together, we took an honest look at their family’s needs and decided to raise at least $15,000 to get the car and to help Gina and Yrak have a safety net as they transition into working parenthood with twins to raise. The breakdown of the fundraiser would be $7000 for the car; $8000 to offer a cushion for rent, nutritious food, important needs for the babies, and any medical expenses that may come up this year. If more is raised from this fundraiser, it would help Gina + Yrak get more additional support to increase the wellness of their family for the future, as well as help them continue their work as cultural community artists.
- collaboration with cultural and community centers in Havana, Cuba to raise awareness and donations to children with limited economic resources for artistic creation in the Cayo Hueso and La Güinera neighborhoods;
- participation in concerts and cultural events in the city of Pinar del Río for those affected by Hurricane Katrina; and
- production of cultural exchanges between Cuban and American artists, organizing concerts and murals in the Cuban cities of Pinar de Río, Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
By supporting Gina + Yrak to have a strong start as parents, we are not only helping their family, but investing in cultural community artists that genuinely love + support their community and powerfully influence culture with music that celebrates the Latin American experience, and the different nuances and connections that enrich the culture as a whole. Their art is a reflection of their lives and the reality of immigrants in the United States as they show respect for the powerful and honorable legacy left by their ancestors and predecessors. Their songs are adorned with diverse Latin musical roots and styles, while merging with hip-hop and other modern genres carrying important messages of love, strength, resilience, hope, unity in the community, familia, and paying respect to our ancestors and roots.
THE ACTION PLAN
Together, we took an honest look at their family’s needs and decided to raise at least $15,000 to get the car and to help Gina and Yrak have a safety net as they transition into working parenthood with twins to raise. The breakdown of the fundraiser would be $7000 for the car; $8000 to offer a cushion for rent, nutritious food, important needs for the babies, and any medical expenses that may come up this year. If more is raised from this fundraiser, it would help Gina + Yrak get more additional support to increase the wellness of their family for the future, as well as help them continue their work as cultural community artists.
We humbly ask your support to help our sister Gina, our brother Yrak and our two amazing nephews at this important time! They are two cultural community artists united by love and music, are immigrant parents of two beautiful twins, and will do whatever it takes to raise these children in a good way. Any donation to give them the support they need to raise their beautiful family, while living sustainably as cultural community artists is greatly appreciated and will go into meaningful use. Pls consider giving generously :) With your support, I know together, we will help this beautiful family rise above the struggle. We thank you in advance and love you all.
In love, creativity and community,
jo “love/speak” cruz
Womb Manager
On Behalf of the Audiopharmacy Prescriptions Collective + Beloved Pham
In love, creativity and community,
jo “love/speak” cruz
Womb Manager
On Behalf of the Audiopharmacy Prescriptions Collective + Beloved Pham
