URGENT UPDATE: In a heartwarming development, the Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley Foundation has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 to support Destinee Coronado, an 18-year-old cancer survivor, as she embarks on her first year of college at San Jose State University. This initiative comes just seven years after the nonprofit first stepped in to help Coronado’s family during her battle with stage three ovarian cancer.
At just 10 years old, Coronado was diagnosed after a family wedding revealed her serious health issues. A shocking diagnosis of a football-sized tumor led to five months of grueling chemotherapy, profoundly impacting her family’s financial stability. Thanks to the foundation’s initial fundraiser, which raised $10,000, her family was able to keep their home and focus on her recovery.
“The family was not financially set, but at least they knew that they didn’t have to worry about that for a little while,” said Alicia Cortez, co-founder of the foundation.
Now, the foundation is once again rallying support to ensure Coronado can pursue her dreams without the weight of financial burdens. “I was very driven by the support and the love that they had given to me when I was sick,” Coronado expressed. “They didn’t really have to do anything for me, but they just wanted to help me.”
As Coronado takes classes in child development, English, history, and statistics, the funds will cover tuition, materials, transportation, and incidental costs. This support is critical as her family’s savings were depleted by her medical expenses, leaving them worried about college costs.
Coronado’s father, Jovani Villanueva, shared the emotional weight of their journey: “We felt blessed and grateful… it took off a lot of weight off our shoulders.”
Launched in 2008 by Darrell Cortez, the Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley Foundation has grown significantly, initially serving just 10 children during holiday shopping trips. Today, it supports 180 third-graders each year, providing them with necessary school supplies and holiday joy.
Coronado’s ambition to become a teacher stems from her experiences in the hospital, where she recognized the impact of emotional support on young patients. “I think it just kind of led me to want to give that to future generations,” she said.
As the campaign progresses, donations can be made through the Wish Book initiative, which aims to fulfill needs for those in the South Bay area. “Alicia and Darrell, they’re such beautiful human beings,” Coronado remarked, expressing her desire to one day start her own nonprofit to help children in need.
With the campaign now underway, the foundation is hopeful for a swift response from the community. To support Destinee Coronado’s educational journey, donations can be made at wishbook.mercurynews.com/donate.
As this story unfolds, the outpouring of support from the community will not only impact Coronado’s future but also inspire others facing similar battles. Stay tuned as we follow this impactful journey and the lives it touches.
