UPDATE 1/9/18
A CELEBRATION OF A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
Maria's family sends the following message:
"Please join us for a celebration of life for Maria Santana.
Open House
January 21st 11-2pm
At Annie's house:
1830 SW Laurel St.
Portland 97201
We look forward to sharing our memories and love for Maria, while supporting one another through this difficult time.
Thank you,
Maria's family"
Condolences can be sent to:
2304 SE Main St.
Portland, OR 97214
UPDATE 12/29/17
Our dear Maria is at peace (
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mariasantana2/journal/view/id/5a4664748a138879611dab3b)It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we are letting you know Maria passed away this morning at 7am. Brian and her family are with her now, and he is asking for privacy today; your thoughts and prayers are welcome via this website. More details and information about her celebration of life will follow in the next few days.
UPDATE 12/12/17
Maria and Brian are spending as much time as possible together at home, and welcome your continued messages through Caring Bridge. Maria's sister and niece are still living with them and helping out so much, and the hospice care staff has been very supportive. At this point Maria's course of care is pain management- she is dealing with a lot of physical pain but is hanging in there, and rests for much of the day. Brian is grateful for all of the support through your messages- it makes a difference to know you are thinking about them in this incredibly difficult time. Please keep your messages and photos coming!
PREVIOUS POSTING:
You may or may not know that Maria has stage 4 breast cancer and has been fighting the fight for the last 4 years. There have been many ups and downs over the years and up until July she was still running up to 4 miles a day. This week, Maria will be making the decision whether or not to continue chemotherapy; she has completed radiation treatments. Maria's cancer has metastasized throughout her body; some days are better than others. Brian is by her side, and her sister Rosie and niece Cristy are here from Mexico taking care of her.
We know that there are so many lives that Maria has touched over the years and we would like you all to have the opportunity to express your thoughts and supports to Maria, Brian , and Maria's family. Please forward this website to everyone you know who would appreciate the opportunity to send Maria their love. It really touches Maria when she gets to hear positive messages and stories!
At this time we ask that you not call or visit, but please use this website to communicate with Maria and Brian. We will keep it updated for you as things change.
Emi Hanawa and Laura Bulinski are maintaining this site and are in close contact with Maria; you can contact us directly if you have questions or a specific request. Please scroll past the fundraising and 'activate support' promos, to Thoughts & Well Wishes and beyond to read or post messages.
Thank you all so much!
