My mom, born in Spanish Harlem, New York, was an incredible woman. She was one of 20 children and took care of her younger siblings, which ignited her passion for caregiving. She married and had four children of her own. She was a supportive wife to my dad and a devoted mother to her children.

In 2016, my mom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. We believe it was related to 9/11, as she laundered my dad’s uniforms during his tour at Ground Zero, where he was an NYPD sergeant at the time. She is deeply missed by her friends, family, husband, and children. The void she leaves behind is immense, but she continues to show us signs that she is still with us. We honor her every opportunity to keep our memories of her alive.