My story:

I grew up in Kansas City, MO to parents who migrated to the US. I was raised in a predominantly Latino neighborhood with little to no access to resources. I've seen firsthand how challenging it is to access adequate healthcare due to no insurance/money, working multiple jobs and not having a clinic that is easily accessible in between shifts, and fear based on documentation status. My family, friends, and community struggled to get the proper care they needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

In 2016, I moved to Chicago and eventually settled in Pilsen, another predominantly low income and Latino neighborhood. During the 2020 pandemic, I saw my community disproportionately impacted by this virus. My neighbors were essential workers who had no choice but to show up to work and put their lives at risk so that they can provide for their families. Unfortunately, they lost the battle to Covid or were hospitalized and stuck with astronomical medical bills. When the vaccines were finally released, my neighbors were scared to get the life saving shots due to fear of being deported. I volunteered with Esperanza where I focused on community outreach to let people know that there was a safe space to receive the vaccine and documentation was not required. The anti immigrant sentiment and capitalization of the medical industry has jeopardized the lives of the most vulnerable who keep our country running every single day.

I am fundraising for Esperanza because of their mission and how they have positively impacted hundreds in Chicago without discrimination. Healthcare is a human right and everyone deserves to get the adequate care they need irregardless of economic or migratory status. Please consider donating to my cause and helping me contribute to the amazing work that they do! I look forward to participating in a sport that I love while raising money for an organization that has positively impacted the lives of many!

About Esperanza:

In 2004, residents of the low-income and primarily Latino neighborhood of Little Village joined with administrators from nearby Saint Anthony Hospital to address the critical lack of accessible health services on the Southwest Side. Realizing that thousands of residents lacked quality medical services and relied on the emergency department for routine care, they decided to open a primary care clinic on South California Avenue and name it Esperanza the Spanish word for hope.

Today, with five sites and a team of almost 300 dedicated staff, Esperanza is one of the most respected Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation, delivering accessible, bilingual care to more than 25,000 patients every year. From adult medicine, women's health and pediatrics to behavioral health services and wellness programs, Esperanza meets the needs of its community with innovation and a sterling commitment to quality. Esperanza today is recognized as a National Quality Leader by the Health Resource