CMS provides translation, emotional and financial support to help workers and families that encounter crisis situations.

A True Story of Strength, Courage, and Community

It was an ordinary afternoon at The Hospitality Center. Workers came in and out freely-getting food, stopping by to talk with the staff, and getting assistance with this or that. Sometimes workers come in with a simple request like needing help to fill out a form or to make a phone call. Other times, they may need assistance with some very difficult issues.

It was, however, not an ordinary afternoon for Carlos and Lupe. And as the day moved on, it was no longer ordinary for the CMS staff either. Lupe, a twenty-eight-year-old mother with three young children, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. CMS' staff had been doing everything possible to support and assist the family.

That afternoon, Lupe came in to tell us her last wishes: "When I die, I'd like to donate my body parts and I'd like to have my body sent back to Mexico and be buried there."

Marillac ClinicEven though the months leading up to this point had been extremely difficult for Lupe, she had remained to be very strong and positive. She wanted to receive all the medical treatments that were available to her. When we went to visit her at her home, she would still carry a smile lying in bed in pain. She drove herself around town when she was not supposed to.

That afternoon, both Carlos and Lupe wanted to face what might have to come. They asked us to help fulfill those wishes. There were tears. There was certainty of her desire. We assured her that we would do our best to help. We were deeply touched by their love for each other, the unimaginable pain of having to say goodbye, her honorable desire to give what she could in her death and their courage to face the inevitable. That was an afternoon we would never forget.

Not too long after that, CMS set up "Lupe's Cancer Fund" so that people in the community could help her fulfill her last wishes. The outpouring of support and love was amazing.

We first received a collection from Migrant Head Start. Parents, teachers and staff there gave generously. Staff at School District #51's Migrant and ESL offices encouraged each other to skip eating out and donate their lunch money. Workers from different orchards showed up with cash. Teachers at Taylor Elementary did a collection. Growers sent in their checks.

Assistance and support came in other forms and shapes as well. A grower let Lupe's family and Lupe's sister's family stay in his worker housing even though Carlos was not working for him. He could not stand watching Lupe and her sister lugging all the clothes to the laundrymat and he bought them a washer and a dryer. The owner of Martin Mortuary was so kind that he was only a hair away from asking us to tell him how much we could afford to pay. Patricia Spencer of La Machina de Musica, raised money for Lupe in a concert. She raised enough money for the family's travel expenses and the cost of burial in Mexico. Farmworker Health Program, St. Mary's Hospital and Hospice provided superior care, almost all of which was at no cost to the family. Carlos' family and many other friends in the community helped with childcare and provided emotional support.

Lupe passed away on May 28, 2003. On the day of the memorial service, we saw this wonderful community in one place. Some knew Lupe well and some had never even met her. They were there to celebrate Lupe's life. Without their knowing, they were there to celebrate the kind of community they were-a loving and giving community--a community tied together by the resiliency and strength of Lupe.