By: Aja Anavi Romero
When 14 year old Nayely Jimenez was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, doctors prepared Sandra and Joaquin Jimenez for the worst. Now, at 19, Nayely continues to battle the disease. Diagnosed in 2007 with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, a rare brain cancer which affects the soft tissue and bone and accompanied by severe headaches and stunted growth, Nayely has managed to continue a normal teenage life, despite her sickness.
Originally from Mexico City, Nayely began her education at McAllen High School where she excelled, both scholastically and athletically, while her passion for self expression unfolded through drawing. After falling dangerously ill her senior year, Nayely became homebound. With the help of all her teachers, Nayely was able to graduate on time from Memorial High School in 2011. Since her diagnosis in 2007, Nayely has undergone three major surgeries in an attempt to remove her tumor. To no avail, doctors have labeled Nayely’s case as terminal. Today, she still continues to fight.
In 2011, Nayely shared with her then homebound teacher, Denise Keller, a life long wish of one day going to Disney World. “Then I’m going to get you there somehow,” said Keller when asked her reaction to the request. “Nayely is the sweetest most compassionate person…despite her illness and the pain; she always kept a smile on her face.”
Motivated by such strength and courage, Denise made it her mission to make this dream a reality and with the help of two very close friends, Anissa Reyna and Laurie Jarosz, “Nayely’s Disney Dream Come True Fundraiser” was born. The event would attempt to raise a monetary goal of $5,000 dollars to cover expenses and airfare for Nayely’s trip…“We took everyone’s ideas and created this grand event. I created a website where you could donate online and within 24 hours, we received almost $1,000 dollars in online donations.”
With monetary donations and items pouring in from the community, the goal of fulfilling Nayely’s dream was finally coming true. Now with over 650 members on the group’s Facebook page, Nayely’s Disney Dream Come True has reached over $10,000 dollars in donations in less than two weeks. The event has over 50 volunteers, ranging from local business, high school students and UTPA students, pledging donations and items for the cause. Anissa Reyna recounts the overwhelming outpour from the community… “It is incredible to us how quickly this has all spread and we are confident that God has had His hand on this whole situation.”
The fundraiser event will take place from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m., Saturday April 14,2012 at Covenant Christian Academy, 4201 N. Ware Rd, McAllen. If you are still unsure of how to help, there are still opportunities to contribute, please visit www.nayelysdisneydream.bbnow.org/ to learn more about the cause or to donate.
photo courtesy of AGP Photography & Cinema
