Medical Bills and Household Expenses

This page is designed with a heartfelt plea to support the Mendez Family as Gina battles cancer. Life unexpectantly changed on 7/7/23 when Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer and shortly after found out the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Her treatment plan includes 6 rounds of chemo before surgery. Post surgery treatment is undetermined at this time.

If you have been fortunate enough to meet Gina, you know she is a miracle worker to children in the water. Her passion and love for teaching swim is apparent! At a recent visit, her oncology team expressed concern with the chemo side effects and how they wouldn’t work well with someone who spends a large amount of time in a swimming pool. The skin sensitivity, the infection and bacteria risk (from both water and the children), the hair washing component, protecting the port, nauseousness and diarrhea.

With that, Gina has to take a medical leave from swim instruction. Although temporary, this will last throughout all chemo treatments this fall and definitely for surgery and recovery during the Winter. All funds raised in this effort will go towards the mounting medical bills as well as funding to keep the Mendez household functioning so Gina can kick cancer’s ass! This gofundme page is to put to bay any financial worries their family has. Your support to Gina and her family is greatly appreciated!

Gina’s direct words of appreciation:

I have been complimented many times on my strength and my positive attitude as I start this journey but in a situation like this when you know things are beating you down; what other choice do you have?! I want to live! I want the rest of my life to live! I want to see my kids grow up! There’s just too much to not be happy about! My glass has always been half full through every challenge of my life! Without my father’s death; I would not have been able to buy my first house a 22 years old. I’ve had to find my way as a mom through my mother’s stroke and ultimate passing. I believe I'm a stronger mom because of it. My fight to be with my family for years to come is real! I hope no one else has to battle this but you’d be the same warrior! You’d sit in the chair when the results are given and you’d say “oh shit; ok, now what do we do about it?” You’d look at the technician when they ask if you’re ready and you’d say “hell yeah; let’s do this!” …and you too would count each of your blessings big and small and realize how precious life is! Cherish every moment! Thank you for supporting my fight and protecting my family! Priceless!