Yolanda Medina-Trujillo Yolanda's Journey

I received 'the call' a few nights ago.  It was my dear friend, Yolanda, on a weeknight...she seemed distracted, greeting me and having our usual small talk, when she said 'the reason I'm calling you (not that she ever needs a reason) is to tell you that I've been diagnosed with breast  cancer'.  
It was at that moment that I knew her life was changed. 
 So had mine, by the sheer fact that someone I love is now facing a battle, a serious life battle.

I don't think I heard everything she said right after that, but I absorbed the highlights.  Of course, she choked up a little as I can only imagine the fear and worry that has settled over her.  It wasn't until later that I was washed in the same fear and worry.  
The next day, all day, it was all I could think about. 
 I felt helpless.  Even more helpless than my dear friend felt.  I offered her the usual 'if you need me, just call, i'll be there, and I'll do whatever I can to help you'.  But what does that really mean? It felt hallow saying those words.  I'm not sure what to do to ease her worry and help improve her life?  What do I do?  It isn't my battle, I cannot change her battle, other than offer my friendship and encouragement. 
 It is her fight.  
I can't do anything to save her, only she can.  I can only be there, as much as possible while living 450 miles away.  
Yolanda is a piece of work.  We met over 20 years ago when she came to interview with me.  I liked her immediately.  She has sparkle.  She is one of those people that make you smile just being around.  She was in her early 20's, married to her high school love for a few years and trying to make a better life for her family.  I ended up hiring her (not without a fight from my boss who was an A-hole) and we started working together.  We worked very hard and laughed a lot in the process.  
Our friendship was born.  
Yolanda is fiercely loyal, funny, kind, caring and a spitfire.  She takes no crap from anyone.  She's a fighter.  I've watched her grow, start her family, change her career and get her degree..s...  She's a smartass and a warrior.  She holds you accountable and can have a sharp tongue.  Her husband, David is one of the best people on the face of this planet and loves his wife and kids.  I don't think I've ever seen him without a smile on his face.  He warms my heart.  Together, they are devoted to one another and hilarious.
As I worried about my friend, I thought there must be someway to help.  I found this website and decided to step out of my comfort zone and tell her story.  She may get mad at me, she is not so comfortable talking about herself, but I'm willing to face her wrath if I can rally her friends and family to help her in her battle.  I thought, I wished I lived closer to her.. I'd cook for her and her family, I'd help her with her kids, I'd clean her house and do her laundry, so she could focus on her fight.  These are all tangible things that I could do that might make a difference.  But I don't live close to her.  Even though I can travel to spend time with her (which I will), I can only help while I'm visiting.
So that's where this website comes into play.  If I can rally others in her life to step up and help, we can make a difference for Yolanda and her family.  That is the mission of this site and me.  
I have all the faith in the World and God that Yolanda will win this fight, but it's time to help her and make this fight easier for her. 
Join me, will you?