Help Adele's Family Heal

We are heartbroken to report that since we originally launched this GoFundMe in December 2018, Adele has passed away at the age of 40.  On May 31, 2019, we lost our dear Adele after a 6 year battle with breast cancer. Now is the time for us to come together and help her husband Luis and her precious 5 year old son Tino live the type of life that Adele always wanted for them.

How We Met Our Angel Adele
We met our amazing friend Adele shortly after we finished breast cancer treatment and it led to an unbreakable bond and friendship. Adele was a person who always radiated kindness, compassion and love. Even with everything that Adele was going through, she still made time to help other fellow breast cancer survivors and she was always there to support each of us. She was the most selfless and thoughtful person and she always puts others first.  She touched so many lives with her beautiful spirit and big heart. We started our journey together and it’s hard to believe that she’s no longer here, but we will carry her in our hearts forever.

Adele’s Unique Story
On July 11, 2013, our dear friend Adele Rivas was first diagnosed with breast cancer. That same day, she learned she was pregnant with her first child. During the darkest moment of her life, the news of the pregnancy was a bright light. Adele began the fight of her life for both herself and her growing baby. She underwent a double mastectomy during her first trimester, hoping and praying that the baby would withstand the hours of surgery and anesthesia. The heartbeat after the surgery was one of the most emotional moments of her life and at that moment she realized her miracle baby was fighting as hard as she was. She went on to receive chemotherapy in her second trimester.  Her son Constantino was born in March, perfectly healthy and smiling, weighing in above average, at 8 lbs., 2 oz. She then underwent radiation and reconstructive breast surgery and slowly things returned to a new normal. Adele went back to work as a physician assistant and enjoyed life with Luis and baby Tino.

Less than four years later, in May 2017, Adele’s world was shaken once again. After having persistent symptoms of back pain and fevers, she learned her breast cancer had returned. This time it was non-curable Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. On top of everything, Adele’s mother was also diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence the following year. Her mother was undergoing chemotherapy at the same time as Adele but we are happy to report that she is doing great. Adele’s first diagnosis brought miracle baby Tino and we were hopeful that another miracle would happen. We hoped and prayed that Adele's cancer would be stabilized and that she would live a long life with her wonderful husband Luis and her pride and joy Tino. But sadly, cancer doesn’t always bring miracles. Instead, it took our dear Adele from us way too soon, at the age of 40. 

In the last few months of her life, Adele refused to let cancer keep her from making lasting family memories. She celebrated her 40th birthday and Tino’s 5th birthday in Paris with Tino and Luis in March. She was able to attend Tino’s pre-school graduation rehearsal on Thursday, the day before she passed away. These are memories her family will treasure forever.

How the Funds We Raise Will Help Adele's Family
Adele wasn't able to return to work as a physician assistant since her breast cancer had returned. Luis continues to work his full time job, but some weeks are cut short due to the family’s need of his presence and help. Adele's medical bills put a huge financial burden on the family and Luis is now also coping with becoming a single father.

No family should ever go through what Adele's family is currently going through. Let's come together and raise donations to ease the family's financial burdens so that they can focus on providing Tino with a happy and fulfilled life. The donations will help with Tino’s child care and his future college fund, which was so important to Adele.

Rest in peace our angel Adele. Your legacy will live on through Tino and through each of us who loved you. You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts...