the Beautiful Life of Carmen Bonilla (Campos)

Hi, my name is Heather Cardott and I'm fundraising for an amazing friend, her family, and most importantly her sister, Carmen Bonilla (Campos). Jackie Campos and I have been friends since middle school. She recently spoke to me of a silent battle she and her family have been suffering with her sister, Carmen.

Carmen was diagnosed with a terminal illness in April of this year. The disease is an extremely rare brain disorder that has rapidly destroyed her ability to walk or function, without assistance, as well as has debilitated her cognitive abilities. Her loss of brain function resembles Alzheimer's disease, but is tremendously rapid in progression. Carmen just turned 49 on October 27th. This incredible woman does not have much time left on this earth and their family is need of assistance.

When I brought up the idea of a GoFundMe to Jackie, she humbly did not want to accept that this may be needed but it is needed. I've listened to Jackie tell me how she has gone 6xs this year to Texas to help her family emotionally, physically, and financially. The cost continues to accumulate with the ongoing treatment for Carmen including her hospice care, Jackie and her family's continuous travel costs, the inevitable funeral arrangements, and all the unexpected financial strain these kind souls have quietly withstood and will continue to endure.

Carmen is an amazing, funny, generous, warm and hardworking woman that moved out of Rochelle several years ago. Carmen and her family have had a string of rough times but this one is the toughest. Carmen fought and beat cancer 6 years ago and now they are battling this inexorable disease. I remain friends with Jackie and have continued to keep in touch with Carmen on Facebook over the years. I was shocked when Jackie revealed to me what was occurring recently though, as no one in their family has indicated anything was wrong, not even Carmen.

Carmen would have done anything for another person in this same position. She knows what it's like to struggle as she built herself up after her cancer battle and bought her first house 2 years ago. She has 2 grown daughters (Sirena Mireles and Aly Mancillas) and 5 amazing grandbabies that are missing their mom and grandma terribly (as she has lost much of her cognitive ability already), but they also rely on her in so many other ways.

Please say prayers, send love, but also donate, if you can, to help ease the unexpected heartbreak and financial burden that this family is enduring right now. Thank you in advance for all you do.