Angel was 19 when he passed away in September 2023 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Angel and his single mother Milagros were paired with Friends of Karen social worker Rhonda during his treatment. Rhonda continues to support Milagros for bereavement support. Milagros shares her memories of Angel and how Friends of Karen helped the family.
“Angel and I had fun just spending time together. He was a good kid who was so full of life. He loved spending time with family. He loved music, dancing and playing basketball. I would describe him as charming. He made an impression on everyone he met, and he always had a smile on his face.
When Angel got sick and was in the hospital, he stayed positive and strong and handled his illness with such grace. My main concern was taking care of him and keeping him happy. I found out that most kids with his cancer don’t survive long. Angel fought for a year and a half and never complained.
I am so proud of how Angel dealt with his treatment. For me it was a horrible time in my life, and asking for help was not easy. I have always been independent, and I find it hard to trust people and talk about my problems. I try to be strong and not bother people with my sadness. My mother lives with me and I have a supportive family, but I always worry that talking to my mother and my family about my sadness would make them feel worse than they were already feeling.
I am grateful for Rhonda. She understands what I’m going through, and I don’t have to explain myself because she has helped families like mine and understands what I am experiencing. It was important to have her there for us during Angel’s treatment because when I was in the middle of it my mind was rushing, and it was hard to think of what to do or what to ask. She never made me feel uncomfortable asking for financial help.
Once Angel passed, the kind of support I needed changed. I was not sure how to get back to work and where to look for work. Rhonda encouraged me and she was always there to listen. I needed to gain the confidence to go back into the world again.
It’s hard not to cry all the time even though I have so many good memories of Angel. It is comforting that Rhonda was there for me when he passed away and that she is still here for me a year later.
I know I need to go on in my life, but it is not easy. I am proud to say I have found work, and I am able to support myself again.
Thankfully, I have Friends of Karen and Rhonda when I need to talk.
Angel loved life, he loved his mom, he loved his dad. We all miss you so much. I love you and there is not a moment that goes by that I am not thinking of you, my baby Angel.”
