Mom Who Could Be Celebrating Her Last Christmas With Her Young Family Is Given A Wish List From Local Hospital

Dec 26, 2019 by apost team

The holiday season is the time of year when we can set aside the routines of life just for a little while and reach beyond ourselves to help others. It is a beautiful and magical time of year but the majesty of the holidays doesn't erase all that is bad. In fact, it can actually bring out the worst in people at times.

One young Colorado mother, 34-year-old Juanita Marquez, has stage 4 cervical cancer which has spread to her lymph nodes, the walls of her abdomen and into her legs, reports KDVR. She has three beautiful children, 12-year-old Nathaniel and 8-year-old twins Jasmine and Joslyn. She is keenly aware that this could be her last Christmas with them. She bravely hoped to spend the holidays with them, not in a bed.

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She was blessed to be chosen as one of the families who would be provided Christmas by the staff at UC Health University of Colorado. The generous doctors, nurses, and staff have been watching out for Juanita and her family and carefully planned a very special Christmas for them. One palliative nurse in particular, Mari Kelley, told KDVR that she took Juanita carefully under her wing, and had their presents delivered to her house.

Juanita was very vocal about the importance of this Christmas, wanting the children to have pleasant last memories of her at home during the holidays rather than sick in a bed at the hospital. Then, as if this wasn't enough, all of the gifts that were delivered to Mari Kelley's front porch were stolen by a man whose image was captured by her Ring doorbell monitor.

Despite the gifts being returned later that evening, police were unable to identify the thief. At this time, there is a wish list in place at the hospital that is taking donations for the family, and it is doing incredibly well, with donations of over $12,000 confirms KDVR.

It is so important to remember those who are less fortunate during this holiday season by reaching out in any way that you are able to. When we're hugging our children, opening gifts, and enjoying Christmas dinner, don't forget to think of those who are not as blessed. It is so important to never take the littlest things for granted. Change is the only certainty in life and every moment is precious. Tell others about the plight of this family and reach out to UC Health University of Colorado if you are able to help. Every little bit matters.