Nestor Grullon

Pat Kelly

Piotr Kolodziej

Letitia Mingledolph

Gloria Rucobo

Raquel Rohlfing

PJ Schmidt

Carla Tardif

Through Love Comes Strength

Gloria and her husband were devastated when their son, Raul, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4. Without hesitation, the family moved to California to provide Raul with access to the best possible care at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Gloria's daughter, Eliana, provided a match for a much-needed bone marrow transplant that sustained Raul for six years, until he lost his battle in 2002 at the age of 11.

During Raul's illness, Gloria spent every waking moment she could in the hospital to give her son her undivided attention. When her husband was injured at work and required surgery, she quickly took on the role of superwoman — working to support her family, care for her husband, spend time with Eliana and of course, with Raul. She even added the title of new mom to her growing repertoire, giving birth to a daughter, Victoria, in May 2002.

By July, however, Raul had taken a turn for the worse. In his final weeks, Gloria sent 1 1/2-month-old Victoria to stay with family in Mexico, so she could be in the ICU with Raul till the end. Though those decisions were incredibly tough, Gloria has no regrets; she cherishes every precious moment she had with Raul. Gloria remembers Raul's contagious sense of humor, his unwavering faith, and his always-positive attitude. He had a wonderful smile which he shared generously, and never complained, even during chemotherapy and other treatments. Raul loved holding his new baby sister, and was always showing empathy and caring for others, especially other children — despite his own condition.

Somehow, despite the situation, Raul found joy in the hospital, and it is that joy that brought Gloria back to the same hospital just a few years after his death. While some parents may wish never to return, Gloria sees Raul at Rady; she sees his life, his happiness, his legacy. Today, she works there as a liaison to other parents whose children are fighting cancer — talking to them, going with them to doctor's appointments, staying with them during even the toughest moments. Some she tells about Raul; some she does not. Either way, she brings them comfort, allows them to spend as much time with their children as possible, and inspires them to feel that life can go on, no matter what the circumstances may bring.

"Because of Raul, I have the opportunity to meet and help so many other families. It is a blessing for me, even though sometimes my heart is broken. But I just close my eyes and wonder what he is doing now. I'm honored to have the chance to help others in his memory."

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