Petrona's Story

Petrona, mother of four, recently emigrated from Mexica with her family. In the process, she and her children endured hunger, heartbreak, and a medical emergency that nearly cost her youngest daughter her life. Now she is a San Juan Diego Parent of three students, this is her story.

Abandoned by her children's fathers, Petrona and her kids were forced to flee their home country with little more than the clothes on their backs.. "With the little we had we bought some food...I told my youngest daughter to eat but she said 'No, what about my brothers?' It broke my heart because she didn't eat so they could." 

After a long journey across the border, Petrona's family of five settled in Michigan. They slept in the living room of a crowded trailer and worked harvesting blueberries. But something was wrong. Petrona's youngest daughter couldn't run and play with her siblings. Her eyes were red, and her fingers were purple. Soon, Petrona was faced with heartbreaking news; her selfless little girl had a serious heart condition and needed open heart surgery to survive. 

The first operation was unsuccessful, and Petrona stayed with her daughter in the hospital for a month faced with increasing medical bills and no transportation. Thankfully, the second surgery was a success, and she was finally able to take her daughter home. Now, Petrona is focused on helping her children begin the process of healing, learning, and growing - academically and spiritually.

"Before SJDA, my kids weren't as involved in the church or connected with God. Since being at SJDA, they've learned a lot about God at school..."

As for Petrona's youngest daughter? She loves doing her homework and always gets a perfect grade. When she grows up she wants to be...you guessed it, a doctor. 

It's because of you that Petrona's daughter dreams of becoming a doctor. Your support means we can continue to provide tuition assistance to families like Petrona's. It means we can give more children a chance to believe in themselves.