You can help save a life
A little over five years ago, Miguel and Brandi Zavaleta, my
neighbors, moved in. They are a blended family with four little
boys and Brandi was pregnant with her fifth child. They had just
purchased their first home and were very excited. What began as a
fortuitous new life for the Zavaletas quite quickly began to
unravel.
You can help save a life
A little over five years ago, Miguel and Brandi Zavaleta, my neighbors, moved in. They are a blended family with four little boys and Brandi was pregnant with her fifth child. They had just purchased their first home and were very excited. What began as a fortuitous new life for the Zavaletas quite quickly began to unravel.
The Zavaletas’ newborn little girl passed away. The minor problems with the house that appeared easy to repair were only a foreshadowing of much larger problems with the house. On a bright note, Brandi and Miguel did have another child, a fifth boy, Ryan.
About the time Ryan was born, the Zavaletas discovered major undisclosed problems with the house they purchased. As Miguel was rebuilding the deck, he discovered that the entire foundation of the house was rotted. Stripping old wallpaper, Brandi discovered layers and layers of mold that had been papered over and never disclosed. Some of the boys started having respiratory problems. The additions to the house were done without permits. There was major water leakage and damage. The roof needed to be repaired. The plumbing and electric were faulty. Parts of the walls were buckling from water damage. Today, of the four bedrooms in their house, only two are habitable. Their story becomes more difficult.
Two years ago, Michael Williamson, who celebrated his 16th birthday last Friday, the oldest of the Zavaletas’ five boys and currently a freshman at San Benito High School, was playing out front with a shiny head. I asked, “Michael, why did you shave your head?” I thought maybe he was trying to make himself more aerodynamic for basketball or swimming. He responded, “I didn’t shave my head, Colleen. I have leukemia.” My heart sank to my stomach. Michael will not complete his chemotherapy treatments until mid-2009.
For the last two years, I have watched the Zavaleta family balance Michael’s illness, their housing problems, and tough financial crises. In the midst of this, they have opened their doors to troubled family members who needed a place to stay or a place to leave their kids, often for months at a time. Brandi and Miguel have never said “no” and have never complained.
The five boys are the most polite, hardest working, most grateful kids I have ever met. From the first day they moved in, the boys have gone around the neighborhood offering to do yard work, wash windows, wash cars, or clean house to earn money, usually for birthday or Christmas gifts. Many times, like when my husband was building a deck, they just jump into help because that’s the way they have been raised.
When asked what their family needed, Brandi’s response was, “You know, there are so many people who need more than we do.” The Zavaletas exemplify true humility, compassion, and gratitude.
Tonight, San Benito High School is holding a benefit ball organized by the Associated Student Body, all of the proceeds of which will go to Michael Williamson. According to Juan Robledo, Student Activities Director at SBHS, this event began back in 1995 and has grown over the years. “Each year our ASB surveys our staff to find people who need assistance in our community.” This year ASB, which is made up of 36 officers, selected Michael, who was nominated by teacher and coach Randy Logue, also Michael’s neighbor.
Mr. Robledo stated, “I can’t describe how motivating it feels to see our young student leaders helping others in need in our community. They are learning to give and to help. Many of my students have expressed the great feeling of satisfaction they experience when they get involved in our Benefit Drive. I hope more people and businesses help us to reach our goal of $12,000.”
Last year, SBHS students raised $12,000. Jordan Archer, President of ASB, hopes to beat that number this year. “I think this is the best thing ASB does and I think Michael is really, really deserving of the help.” Jordan spent some time with Michael and his family at their home and was amazed at how selfless they were and their astonishment that the students were doing this for them.
But they need help from the community. Donations will be accepted at least two weeks beyond the Benefit Ball up until Feb. 15. The money will be placed in a scholarship account and distributed to Michael’s family.
Ten years ago, my own daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. Our family was new to Hollister and we didn’t know many people. However, the students at Sacred Heart, including Jordan Archer and Morgan Taylor, senior class president, and the families in Hollister helped make it possible for our daughter to have the treatments and procedures she needed to survive. Hollister knows how to take care of its own. The students at SBHS need us to open our hearts and wallets to help another young member of our community whose family is struggling. The Zavaleta family is the first to reach out and help others and the very last to ask for anything.
So, if you have a few extra dollars, before spending it on a latte or a burger, think about the adage, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” For those of us who have gone “there,” let’s remember the blessings we received in our darkest hours and take this opportunity to be a light for someone else. These kids are our future. Make it shine a little by sending a donation made payable to San Benito High School , c/o Mr. Robledo, at 1220 Monterey St., Hollister, CA 95023, or by dropping one at the dance tonight, Feb. 1 in O’Donnell Gym between 8 p.m. and midnight. A ceremony will be held at 11 p.m. at the dance introducing Michael and his family.
Colleen Eastman lives in Hollister with her family.
