Right now I am getting this quarter of my tuition for my grad school paid which is super amazing for me because like I was saying, this gesture is affecting the trajectory of my life because it's really significant. It seems insignificant but in the bigger picture it makes the biggest difference that I'm actually able to move forward. Just a few days ago I was crying, I was very emotional because... well... Can I tell you my story?

“I would like to express my appreciation for the gap grant that The Starfish Connection has graciously extended to me. I have gone through a lot to accomplish all that I can after what I went through, separating my children to make kids’ life better. Once my job decided to let me go due to their financial issues it became my financial issue…

Claudia, a recently widowed mother of three was unable to work to be able to take her child to treatment, and was unable to pay rent for one month. This was causing stress not knowing what could happen if rent was not paid.

Alicia is a 54 year old woman who was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer last year. Her disease was very advanced by the time it was diagnosed and already causing a great deal of pain and discomfort. Returning to work in housekeeping was not an option.

Valeria is a bright, resilient, positive mom doing everything she can to provide a good life for her 6 year old daughter. V was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, luckily she is currently in remission and has recently connected with oncology care in Santa Barbara.

As a care manager and grief counselor for Adriana, I initially met her at Cottage Hospital. She was in a great deal of pain due to experiencing liver failure and waiting for a needed liver transplant. Her mother was by her side as well as her husband.

Alfonso is the head of a household that includes himself, his wife, Martha, their young adult son, Edgar, and two grandchildren. They are a loving family that has had an incredibly difficult year. Alfonso and Martha have three children.