With heavy hearts, we reach out to share the challenging news about our dear friend, Karla—a devoted mother of two beautiful daughters, a loving wife, and a cherished friend.
Recently, Karla received a diagnosis, profoundly impacting her and her family. Karla is facing a substantial and invasive tumor of the sinus. Tragically, the initial symptoms were dismissed as stress and "dry eye," leading to a delayed diagnosis. The size and nature of the tumor underscore the critical need for aggressive treatment.
The aggressive nature of the treatment, particularly chemotherapy, has begun to take a toll on Karla's well-being, rendering it impossible for her to continue working and manage the day-to-day responsibilities. This, in turn, has led to a significant loss of income, placing an immense financial burden on her family during this challenging time.
As a caring and compassionate friend, Karla has always been a source of support for others, advocating for those in need and extending her helping hand without hesitation.
This is not Karla’s first battle.
In 2018, the same year Karla graduated as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant, her family faced extreme challenges when her daughter, Mia, was diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS. Their journey was marked by hardships and a lack of immediate access to care, with Mia waiting four months to secure the first appointment with a neurologist.
Faced with the urgency of their daughter's deteriorating health, Karla and her husband Manny had no choice but to seek the care of specialists. This unfortunately led to significant financial strain as Manny and Karla emptied their bank accounts and sought assistance from family members—a common scenario for families dealing with a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis.
Despite these difficulties, Karla and her husband Manny navigated these challenges with determination. They made the decision to live with Manny's family, where a system was established to balance responsibilities. Karla worked evenings, and Manny took on early workdays to provide care and support for Mia.
Their journey reached a turning point in late 2019 when Mia finally received proper medical treatment—a moment that was not only a relief but also a testament to Karla’s unwavering determination.
Through selfless acts, pain turned into purpose.
Karla has dedicated her life to helping others in need. Her compassionate nature and selfless acts of kindness have touched the lives of many. As a Speech and Language Pathology assistant, author, tutor, translator, interpreter, and a devoted PANS/PANDAS Syndrome advocate, Karla has dedicated herself to working with children, especially those with special needs, leaving an indelible impact in both school and clinic settings.
Karla extends her support beyond language barriers as a Spanish-speaking advocate for PANS/PANDAS. Her tireless work is dedicated to raising awareness among non-English speakers who feel lost in the intricate world of caring for a child diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS.
Just a few months after her daughter’s own diagnosis, Karla took to Youtube to start spreading awareness about PANS/PANDAS in Spanish. She wanted Spanish speaking mothers, fathers and caregivers of PANS and PANDAS children to have a fighting chance in searching for help for their children.
As an advocate, Karla has volunteered her services as a speaker, translator, interpreter, and supporter for various organizations, including the JBC Foundation and the Alex Manful Fund. Through her efforts, she has become a valuable bridge between communities, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing essential services and support.
One notable contribution is her translation work on Dr. Candelaria Greene's publication titled "Considerations for Health Care Professionals in the Education of PANS-Affected Students" (8/2020). Karla translated this crucial document into Spanish, making it more accessible to a broader audience and furthering the dissemination of important information within the Spanish-speaking community.
In early 2023, Karla joined the California Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Advocacy where she has used her voice and experience as a PANS caregiver and advocate to help elevate PANS/PANDAS legislation in the state of California.
Now, we have an opportunity to surround her with the same love and support that she has so generously contributed to our community. Let us act swiftly and demonstrate the power of our united community. Your generosity will not only provide immediate financial relief to Karla but will also serve as a beacon of hope in her time of need.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and thank you in advance for your compassion and support.
